Archive for category Accommodation

Alternate Accommodation Options

Posted by in Accommodation on October 14, 2011

With all the choices out there, it is quite hard to choose where to stay during your travels. However, most people opt for the hotel route without even considering the other alternatives available. Here are some alternate accommodation options out there for you to consider for your next vacation:

1. Hostels. This is a popular choice for backpackers and an economical choice for those travelers who do not mind sharing their personal space. This cheaper option provides a bed to sleep in for the night in a shared room that can be either co-ed or sex-segregated. If you’re lucky enough you may find a semi-private room with a semi-private bathroom. Expect shared bathrooms, sleeping in bunk beds, and a lot of small talk. Some hostels also offer free accommodation in the long-term in exchange for part-time work at the hostel – excellent for backpackers with working visas!

2. Bed and Breakfasts (B&B). These homey accommodation options are usually run by homeowners who rent out bedrooms for the weary traveler. They offer private rooms with either an en suite bathroom or a private bathroom that is usually shared with other guests. True to their name, B&B’s provide breakfast that is served either in the bedroom or in a shared dining area. This is the perfect choice for the young couple or family looking for a one night stop along a road trip. These quaint bed and breakfasts are well-kept and an excellent source of information on local attractions.

3. Unusual local accommodations. This is a bit of a stretch for the regular traveler, but if you are going on apilgrimage or on a mission trip, your cheapest form of long-term accommodation is being hosted by the locals. A travel tip for all European bound travelers: consider staying at a monastery or convent. The costs are drastically cheaper and are usually closer to the local attractions than hotels (which are usually closer to the commercialized attractions).

4. Couch Surfing. This isn’t something I have tried personally, however there are about 3 million people who have signed up for this bizarre program. The idea is that you find someone anywhere in the world that is willing to offer you their couch for a few nights. It’s an excellent way to get information on the local spots BUT there are risks involved and as the couch surfer or the couch provider, you are responsible for reviewing and choosing your surfer/provider wisely.

5. Rental Car. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with sleeping in the car that you’ve rented. Park in a nice looking neighborhood and snooze away. This does not provide any other perks (such as showers or breakfasts) but if all you needed to do was sleep, it’s your cheapest option (considering the fact that you’re paying for it everyday anyway). Read the rest of this entry »

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Where to Find Budget Accommodation

Posted by in Accommodation on August 14, 2011

Most people are on a budget these days and this applies whether at home or whether they are on holidays. When travelling for fun or any other reason you can usually find budget accommodation to suit. Of course, the cheapest kind of accommodation is to pitch a tent in a caravan park site, but this does not suit everyone. Some people need a little more comfort and convenience than a tent provides.

Staying in a cabin at a caravan park is another budget accommodation choice. Cabins these days are relatively comfortable and you can cook your own meals, thus saving again on dining out. There are barbeque facilities in the park as well as a stove and microwave oven in the cabin – and most parks feature swimming pools which will keep the kids happy.

Of course you can have your own caravan and book into a caravan park for a very affordable rate, but there is the initial cost of buying the van, the added fuel to tow it and finding somewhere to store it when not in use. And some people prefer not to have to tow a van wherever they go. Other than that, it can provide an extra guest room at home, and you don’t always have to book accommodation. You are free to stay at a great many more places such as national parks that have camping sites.

Some people prefer to stay at a cottage. Booking a cottage is a wonderful option when there is a larger group of people requiring beds. If the cost is shared between all it becomes very affordable. There is much more room in a holiday cottage than in a cabin at a caravan park. It is more private as there is only your group on the premises. The facilities include everything you would have in your own home such as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. There may even be lock-up parking.

Bed and breakfast accommodation is ideal for many people. When there are many tourist activities to participate in, or if you are only staying for one night, bed and breakfast offers an affordable and comfortable choice. You get to stay in a real home with a comfy bed and breakfast is included. You would not be there for other meals anyway if you are intent on exploring the region. The best thing about bed and breakfast is that you get to chat with a local and they can often direct you to some of the hidden delights in their region that you would otherwise miss out on.

Renting a flat also works out to be quite affordable if there are two families or couples to share the cost. Many flats have enough beds or fold-down sofas to accommodate five or six people. You could also take a blow-up mattress or two for extras. Of course you would have to account for them with the manager, but adding extra people is usually a small extra cost when you book a flat. Read the rest of this entry »

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