Tips for traveling to Google I/O 2011

Are you planning on attending Google I/O 2011? The event is now less than four months from today and registration is likely to open next week.

San Francisco is the 12th most populous city in the United States, and offers some great tourist attractions to see during your visit. After attending the conference and sight-seeing, you’ll need a place to rest your feet.

As part of the conference, Google will offer a discounted hotel rate. Last year the Marriot San Francisco Marquis hotel sold out its discounted rooms by April. Of course, the hotel route isn’t the only way to travel.

San Francisco is home to many hostels that offer practical and convenient living while attending the conference. Last year I stayed at Pacific Tradewinds Backpacker Hostel. The hostel was really close, only 10 blocks walking distance from the conference. This was my first time staying in a hostel and it will not be my last.

San Francisco also offers more than 1,100 places for rent through airbnb. I just used airbnb on my recent trip to New York and it worked out beautifully. Airbnb allows you to rent entire homes/apartments, private rooms, shared rooms, and even couches. This provides price points for all travelers, and the feedback system gives both parties safety.

There are also websites similar to airbnb, such as HomeAway and CouchSurfing. HomeAway uses the same model as airbnb, while CouchSurfing is generally free housing.