BedandBreakfast.com editors are often asked questions about the Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards. Here is some information about the awards, the judging process and more:

1) The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award winners are not ranked numerically and are listed alphabetically by state or country within each category.

2) The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based entirely upon reviews posted independently by inngoers. Themed categories reflect prevalent comments from each of the winners' reviews.

3) Judges for the Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are BedandBreakfast.com editors. The judging process involved reading thousands of reviews and measuring those reviews for quality. The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are not a numbers game; while the number of reviews are taken into consideration, the judges were heavily influenced by the insights shared by guests in their in-depth reviews. 

4) Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award winners receive winners badges for posting on their websites, Best of BedandBreakfast.com plaques, inclusion in the online Winners List, and Support from BedandBreakfast.com's publicity campaign.

5) Membership level and participation in BedandBreakfast.com's online promotions have absolutely no bearing on selection for Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards. These awards are entirely based upon the quality and quantity of reviews posted for members.

6) BedandBreakfast.com reserves the right to disqualify any innkeeper suspected of posting false reviews or who posts reviews on behalf of their guests from the Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards.

For a complete list of Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award winners, click the winners list on BedandBreakfast.com.

I thought I'd heard it all when I learned that more than one out of every two travelers will give up their morning coffee to save for B&B travel. In a study of 45,000 B&B travelers in September 2009, BedandBreakfast.com found that the majority said they would give up their morning take-out coffee to save money for travel. Going out for ice cream, giving up massages and manicures, and even cigarettes, were also mentioned as ways to save money for B&B getaways. There's no question that B&Bs are better for the body, mind and soul than cigarettes!

BedandBreakfast.com asked travelers “How important is B&B travel to you? Would give up or curtail any of the following to bolster your travel budget?” The majority (52.7%) said they would give up their morning coffee to save money for travel. Going out for ice cream followed (47.7%), then massages and manicures (45%), then cigarettes (40.1%). Interesting that B&B travel is more important than coffee, calories, or cigarettes to over 50% of respondents!

B&B travelers are dedicated travelers, and the same study showed that the recession is loosening its grip on spending faster for B&B travelers. Yet, studies show that only about 5% of travelers have ever tried a B&B. Now's the time. Prices are affordable, and fall foliage throughout most of the country offers a gorgeous patina, at no additional cost!

For more information: Read all the results from the BedandBreakfast.com survey.

We're almost half way through our series about great ideas for saving at B&Bs.  Today's tip is all about using social networking to save at B&Bs.  I just logged onto Twitter and found four offers and ideas for saving at B&Bs this weekend.

Tip #5: Tweet for Treats:  Don't wait for Halloween to tweet for treats! Follow your favorite B&B on Twitter or Facebook and sign up for newsletters from your favorite B&Bs. Newsletters often offer exclusive specials or coupons to their loyal guests.

Keep tuning in to the BedandBreakfast.com blog to find out about great places to travel and ways to save on B&B travel.  

I love this time of year in my “back yard.”   The trees in the Hudson Valley are not yet at peak but each day brings more color.   Farm markets have an abundance of local produce and you can pick your own apples and pumpkins at orchards and farms along the Hudson River.  Enjoy the many valley wineries that are open to visitors, including the country’s oldest vineyard.  The first commercial winery in the Hudson Valley, Jacques Brothers Winery, was established in 1837 for the production of altar wines. Renamed Brotherhood in 1885, the Washingtonville winery is the nation’s oldest continuously operated winery.

There is much to do in the valley but this coming weekend is the official opening of the Walkway Over the Hudson.    A former railroad bridge built 121 years ago has been renovated into a pedestrian and bike bridge that spans 6,700 feet across the Hudson.   The view is spectacular.  

While visiting the valley be sure to take advantage of the fine area restaurants as well as the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.   Reservations are suggested for most CIA restaurants but the Apple Pie Café is a walk in.    

As for lodging in the area, there is a wonderful and varied selection of bed and breakfasts.  

Continuing in our series about ways to save on B&B getaways, we present tip #4. However, before going on to it, I thought I should mention that I toured B&Bs this weekend and was delighted to find at each lovely inn where I stayed, I was offered a complimentary glass of wine, along with a fresh cheese platter (at Jacob Hill Inn), fresh baked cookies (at Inn at Harbor Hill Marina and Jacob Hill Inn), and fresh fruit and chocolates. I am always amazed at the added value offered at B&Bs; benefits that would add up to as much as $180 at expensive hotels. 

Tip # 4: Bring your own wine. Rather than going out to bars, where drinks can total as much as $20, bring your own wine or cocktails and enjoy them in the privacy of your room or perhaps on a scenic porch overlooking a beautiful view.