Just the thought of going on a vacation can inspire such a positive mindset. A vacation can lift your spirits, and it can help to release some of your stress. But first, you have to do some planning and researching. Not only do you have to plan the dates of your travel, but you also have to research fares for your flights and your vacation hotels.
This post is about trying to decide on vacation hotels, resorts, and airbnb’s.
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When it comes to travel, where you stay can often make or break your trip. Some places naturally lean more toward the hotel or resort lifestyle such as the Caribbean. But for weekend city breaks, an Airbnb is often the cheaper option and allows you to live more like a local. Then there’s the question of whether you’re going somewhere as a traveler or vacationer. Are you going to be lying on a sunbed all day drinking cocktails or soaking up the history and culture of your destination?
Traveling
When booking your accommodation, you ultimately need to consider what kind of trip you’re going on. Is it an adventure-filled trip where you can’t wait to learn all about the place you’re staying in and its culture? If so, you probably don’t need a ton of space or amenities. But as you’ll be out of the room most of the time and the destination is what you’re coming for. A central location with a good concierge for all your travel questions is probably going to be a lot more useful. Than a kitchen or a kids club so a hotel is your best bet. If you’re traveling from place to place, you may need somewhere to store your luggage. Hotels usually can offer early check-in and late checkouts which are also great for those awkwardly timed onward flights.
Vacations
On the other hand, if you’ve been counting down the days until you can flop by the pool, a resort hotel will be the best choice for you. If you’ve got kids, not having to leave the hotel every evening for dinner and being so close to everything might just be your idea of heaven. Plus, the lack of chores and the option of room service too can be very appealing. However, if you’re traveling in a group, an Airbnb will be best. Not only do you not have to worry about having rooms at opposite ends of the hotel but the privacy. Also, the peace it brings can be a real advantage especially if you have very small children.
When choosing your accommodation type, the most important thing to ask yourself is what amenities you really need for your stay. Is it a fully fitted kitchen or a hotel concierge that’s always only a phone call away? And don’t forget to consider your budget. If you’re looking for a cheap getaway, an Airbnb is probably the cheapest, especially because you won’t need to tip as much. But if luxury is a firm requirement, vacation hotels or resort hotels is likely to make you happiest.
Vacation Hotels Rooms
As we all know, researching vacation hotels can have many ups and downs.
Besides rate shopping, you want to research the hotel’s room amenities.
In the same way as an apartment, you want to see the hotel’s design of the rooms.
Not only the design but also the size of the room.
On the one hand, a single person or a couple can choose a room with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds.
They may only need a coffee maker and a hair dryer.
But on the other hand, a family of four may need a room with two queen-size beds and a pull-out bed.
Yet this family may need a microwave oven, a small refrigerator, and an iron with an ironing board.
The hotel’s room amenities are all based on the needs of the customer.
Hotels Check In Times – Hotels Check Out Times
While researching a hotel’s website for room rates, room sizes, and room amenities, here are a few other things to remember.
First, the hotel’s check-in time is usually around 3 PM.
This allows the hotel’s housekeeping to finish cleaning rooms for the previous hotel guests that may have just checked out.
Second, the hotel’s check-out time is usually around noon.
Knowing the hotel’s check-in time and the hotel’s check-out time can also help when scheduling your flight’s arrival and departure times.
Furthermore, check to see if the hotel has a free airport shuttle that will pick you up or drop you off at the airport.
Hotel Dining Room
Another important hotel amenity will be somewhere to eat.
Does the hotel have its own restaurant?
Do they offer free complimentary breakfast?
Is the hotel’s breakfast included in the rate?
As well as, what about a hotel dining room?
What are the hours that the hotel dining room is in service?
Is the menu affordable for a family of your size?
Vacation Hotels and Resorts
How about checking out some vacation hotels and resorts.
Hotels can usually be located anywhere from along the side of the highway, to the downtown areas, and near the airports.
But, a resort is usually near a large body of water to eventually be enjoyed by all.
A hotel which is located downtown will most likely have a gorgeous scenic view of the city.
However, a resort usually has a beautiful view of the beach or ocean.
Vacation Hotels
Although there are so many benefits to Airbnb’s, they can only go so far when it comes to what hotels can do for you. Firstly, hotels are unlikely to cancel on you last minute. In fact, the whole check-in process is so much easier and quicker. Who else has spent ages waiting around for their Airbnb host who insists on greeting you in person? Or tried to figure out the lock box in the dark after an exhausting flight? And then when you get there you realize it’s not so much of a vacation at all. As you still need to do the cooking and cleaning. That’s the difference with a vacation hotel.
If you want a truly relaxing trip, then you’re guaranteed this at a hotel. And forget about researching your destination too. The hotel concierge is usually very knowledgeable about the local area. They can usually point you in all the right directions for what to see during your trip as well as any restaurant recommendations. With an Airbnb, you’re going to have to do all of this yourself before you go and as well as during your trip.
If you’re used to luxury, then this is something an Airbnb usually falls short on. Although they recently launched their luxury service, the majority of Airbnb’s on the place you want to go to won’t be in this category. So, if you’re wanting luxury, you can’t go too far wrong with a hotel. Luxury doesn’t always have to have a massive price tag attached to it. Many vacation hotel chains are in many major cities and offer reward programs so it may even end up cheaper and much more luxurious than booking an Airbnb.
Resort Hotels
Now if luxury and true relaxation are what you’re looking for, a resort hotel is usually a step up from a regular hotel. You get all the amenities and ease of a hotel but all the close access to restaurants and things to do. A resort hotel is an ideal option if you’ve got kids or you’re simply looking for utter relaxation. If your kids are small, it’s also ideal as the restaurants and things to do are in easy reach of the hotel room. So if you need to pop them back for a quick nap or if you’ve forgotten something.
Many resort vacaton hotels also have a kids club so they’re certain not to get bored. If you’re going all-inclusive too, you most likely don’t need to worry about tipping or paying for room service, and drinks. So this can work out a little cheaper than booking a regular hotel. Plus, you’ll spend less time budgeting every day. Essentially, a resort hotel has many more amenities than a regular hotel so if a relaxing vacation is what you’re looking for then you’re certain to get it there.
AIRBnB
Airbnb’s have blown up in recent years and for good reason. They are easy to book, cheap and whatever city you go to you know you’ll find one. But will this recent trend die down as we miss the service and concierge facilities of hotels? Well, it depends largely on what you’re looking for. Undoubtedly, Airbnb’s give that ‘live like a local’ feel, especially as most Airbnb’s are owned by local people.
Their culture and furnishings will most likely be a lot more fitting to the destination than a chain hotel. Some of the areas they are in more than likely going to be residential areas. It’s also great if you’re going with a big group. Big groups in hotels can get complicated especially when rooms feel as though they are located miles from each other. You can really lose the energy of your group. In an Airbnb, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast together and relax without the busyness of a hotel. You’re probably only a few meters from each other too so communication is never a problem.
If you’re on a budget, not only are they cheaper than hotels but the addition of a kitchen means you can cook your own meals. Which further reduces the cost of your trip. If you’re in a remote location or have kids, this can make the whole vacation a lot easier. Not having to tax the porter, doorman or waiters at breakfast can also make for a cheaper trip. Although tipping is still expected outside your Airbnb because you’re doing all the services that you would expect in a hotel. You won’t need to budget the same amount for tipping.
Travel Journal
One of the benefits of taking a vacation with your family or friends is creating the memories. In order to remember the creation of those memories, would be writing them down in a travel journal. So, how about getting all members that are traveling together a travel journal. This way everyone can write down all of their own experiences and joys. Everyone’s experience is going to be entirely different. Then when you all get back, maybe everyone can share some of their experiences.
So, remember when it comes to where you want to stay while traveling… it’s all about planning and research.