When Donald and I go on vacation we spend a lot of time deciding where we will stay. This often has the biggest impact on the overall vibe of the trip!  To help you out, I’ve put together a quick list of the most common accommodation types, and the benefits of each.

 

Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals are great for a large group of people, or when you want more control over your stay. Many short term rentals also include a kitchen so you can save money by cooking for yourself.  These rentals can easily be booked on sites like AirBnB, VRBO, visit RentMissionBeach.com, HomeAway, among other sites.  Short term rentals also let you stay in places where there are few hotels – letting you get a more authentic experience. You get full control of the home, and often spend less money for a larger place, away from major tourist hubs. 

 

Standard Hotels

While we don’t often opt for hotels, there are some clear advantages for splurging on this wide-spread accommodation. Hotels are best if you’re new to a country or want some basic hotel amenities such as laundry, concierge, room service, taxis and shuttles to and from the nearest airport. While they can be one of the priciest accommodation options, you are generally treated very well and you have a clear idea of what to expect upon arrival. Many hotels also offer services in many languages and are comfortable with accommodating tourists, so if you are worried about a language or culture barrier a hotel might offer a comfortable transition into a new culture or country. 

Boutique Hotels

If you want the amenities of a hotel, but are looking for a more personal or authentic experience, you may want to look into a boutique hotel. When visiting a culturally vibrant place, massive hotels can be an eyesore, or they are located out of the main areas. Boutique Hotels are often located in great areas and offer unique guest experiences along side other amenities. Boutique hotels have many characteristics that sent them apart from regular hotels – check out this article from CovingtonTravel.com if you’re unsure of the differences.

 

Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels or guest houses are far cheaper than both hotels and short-term rentals. However, don’t expect to get much more than just a bed and maybe a hot drink to start you off in the morning (if you’re lucky!). You also may need to share a room with others, or use a bunk bed. Hostels and guest houses often have shared kitchen spaces and low-cost bars on-site, so you can save money on cooking and meet other travelers in these vibrant social hubs.

 

Camping

Feeling adventurous? Why not try camping out? There are restrictions depending on the country you visit, but this is a perfectly viable lodging option for backpackers. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive if you have to pay for a permit. Car camping is also an economical alternative to camping outdoors in cold climates with high prices, such as Iceland. There are plenty of fantastic reasons to go camping and the low price is just one of many advantages.

Where do you like to stay when you go on vacation? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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