Tag Archives: friendly

B&B’s…and Pensiones!

B&B’s (Bed and Breakfasts) are a great option when you first begin to travel on your own.  They tend to be the most intimate lodging experience, since they are typically small and personally run by the owners.  B&Bs are everywhere.  Here in the U.S. and overseas as well.  On a recent trip to southern Italy, I stayed at a lovely little B&B, (called a pensione in Italy),  in tranquil Piano di Sorrento.

A lovely private entrance to an Italian pensione in Piano de Sorrento, Italy

A lovely private entrance to an Italian pensione in Piano di Sorrento, Italy

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known”.                                                               Carl Sagan

Since traveling solo can sometimes feel daunting, choosing a small B&B or pensione, in this case, is a great way to get yourself into a good “comfort zone”.  Owners are usually happy to see you and they will cater to you in a way that’s very friendly and helpful.  They’re great at recommending places to see, eat and shop.

Delightful entrance to my own little Italian "apartment"

Delightful entrance to my own little Italian “apartment”

Every B&B is unique and different.  There’s nothing “standard” about them, with the exception that they each provide a room and your morning “wake-up” breakfast meal.   It can sometimes feel like you’re visiting friends, because B&B’s tend to have very homey bedrooms and they will generally all vary in size and style.

The charm is in all the quirky details!

The charm is in all the quirky details!

I love the quirky details that come with B&B’s.  Here’s a photo of the safe in my room at the pensione in Italy, complete with a cleverly devised piece of framed art to keep it hidden from sight!  You will find unique touches in every B&B or pensione you visit.  It’s worth every moment and you will find it’s a great way to travel with “A Table For One”!

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady