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  Connie Mettler March 6, 2018 at 12:04pm

  I did a short cruise out of Miami in October with NCL that included all drinks!!
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  margaret luttrell March 6, 2018 at 11:51am

  We did a cruise this year between Delray Beach and Coconut Grove since hotels in Miami were exorbitant( as always) and we were too late to get a decent airb&b. It seemed a good deal to Nassau and Freeport with a day at Turtle Cay. Plus, drinks were free. It cost 249 dollars per person on NCL and I thought I had hit the jackpot. It came to over 700 dollars with taxes and port fees. That seemed ok and was still under what we would have paid for 10 days in Miami. Parking for our van was 80 dollars. Then, with gratuities at the end it came to 300 more. I didn't know that if you eat in the restaurants there is a 20 dollar immediate gratuity fee (which is fair but not told to us) . So if you do decide this is for you....and you want to keep it on the cheap, make sure you eat at the buffet and not the restaurants or you will have a couple of hundred dollars tacked onto your fees. Lesson learned. Although I might have made up for it by having about 5 pina colada's a day. (ahem) 
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  Larry Sohn May 12, 2017 at 12:53pm

  I just listened to the podcast.
  Very nicely done. Thank you!!!
  
  A couple of points:
  1) When it was discussed about using "rewards" or "loyalty" points for hotels.
  Be aware, I recently stayed at the Cambria Suites for the Rockville Maryland show. Although I am a Choice member, they will not credit my account with the stay because I had a discounted rate. The Show had a discounted rate for all us Artists. Therefore no points for my stay even though I was there for 3 nights.
  
  2) The idea presented about going on a cruise, in Florida, between shows. I've done that. I am a frequent cruiser with NCL & others. So much that sometimes I cruise for free. The prices quoted were not exactly accurate.You must remember. If 2 are in a room, they charge double. If cruising alone a surcharge is added. There is always port charges and taxes. Gratutities are automatic at about $13/day. Parking at the pier is around $30/day. It is still a great value, but not likely for $150/week total.
  3) Another great resource for inexpensive lodging is Skyauction. I've used them many times. They are legit.
  
  4) Also look into timeshares. If you own a timeshare you can often buy a week without using any of your time at many places. I've taken a week at beautiful places for $200/week. This gave me a great resort, full kitchen, free parking for the full week. Even if you only use it for some of the days it is cheaper than a hotel. And you have great amenities.
  
  Thanks for putting on a very good podcast.
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  Joel Lockridge May 11, 2017 at 7:19pm

  I search for hotels first, then AirBnB, then campgrounds. If it's less than four hours away, I usually bring a camper. If it's more than four hours, the gas costs outweigh the cost of the hotel/rented room so I go with that. Sometimes the hotel is about the same price as the AirBnB depending on the area, so I go with the hotel most times.
  
  I don't stay on the road like most artists -- I have to come home during the week and make new inventory, fill orders, etc. Driving home I nearly always make it in one go, but in desperate tiring drives, I'll stop at a campground and sleep in the truck, or at a rest stop and grab a nap.
  
  That's my usual travel!
  
  
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  carrie jacobson May 11, 2017 at 5:15pm

  First, I see if I know someone in the area. Then, I see if my Corporate Lodging card will get me anywhere.

  I find Best Westerns to be relatively mid-range and generally clean and safe, and I get free nights with them, so my next step is to look for Best Westerns. Also they have pretty good breakfasts, generally, with good stuff that I can take for lunch as well.

  I like LaQuintas because they let dogs stay, and even though I don't travel with a dog, I like seeing the dogs, so they are next on my list. And I get free rooms pretty quickly. And ditto the breakfast/lunch menu. 

  If worse comes to worst, and I am tired and don't have a place to stay, I find the newest hotel in the area and stay there, no matter what it is. I know it will be clean, and sometimes the new ones are cheap. 

  Sometimes I sleep in my van, or go to a camping place, but honestly, I like the luxury of a shower and bathroom, a TV, breakfast. 

  If I am just doing a show for a weekend, I use kayak.com or booking.com, or Air B&B, and choose lodging that way. The above is for when I am driving driving driving.
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  Connie Mettler May 11, 2017 at 3:03pm

  Click on the link above, Lynn, to listen. Did you have a question or something you wanted to add? If so, please email me ahead of time: connie@artfaircalendar.com with your phone #.
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  Lynn Long May 11, 2017 at 1:48pm

  How do I join the podcast at 6pm?
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  Denise Buff May 11, 2017 at 1:16pm

  I've just come from a festival last weekend in the home town of an old friend of mine. When I was asked to participate in the festival I contacted her and asked if she was going to be in town and if she would mind me staying with her. Not only was she excited to have me but during the previous months she has shared my online information with her friends, shared my artwork photos on her social media and really built up interest in my coming. By the time of the festival I felt like a celebrity! Now I'm thinking of looking into festivals in towns and cities where I have friends or family I could stay with.
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  Ron Andrews May 11, 2017 at 12:34pm

  The 4 person tent was $49.00.  The sleeping bags under $30.00 each and the campstove was $29.00.  We had the coffee pot.  Just think of how much money we save on not eating out?  Yes, we have been campers.  Were in our early 70's so if we can do it and enjoy it others can also.
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  Connie Mettler May 11, 2017 at 11:51am

  So for $125++ you were able to equip yourselves to stay in the campground. Have you been a camper in the past?