Bastide de Fontaine
One of the major considerations when traveling is the accommodation. Any tourist will tell you that where you stay can make or break your entire vacation. I mean, how many times have you heard friends say that they had a great time vacationing but it could have been much better if they had decent accommodations?
What many people don’t realize is that there are a lot of options for lodgings when traveling, depending on your preference and budget. Here are just some of them.
Legend:
$ – $5 – $25
$$ – $25 – $150
$$$ – $300 – $1,000+
1. Home exchange – Free
If you saw the movie The Holiday starring Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, and Jude Law, the concept of home exchange plays a central theme to the story. Home exchange involves two strangers swapping homes on a temporary basis.
2. Couch surfing – Free or $
Couch surfing is a new trend in traveling. This involves a house owner welcoming a traveler in his home and letting him sleep on the couch for a few days. The stay can be free or the house owner can charge a small fee. Couch surfing is ideal for backpackers or those who are seeking an adventure. Be careful, though, because you just might end up in the wrong house with the wrong kind of people.
3. Hostels – $
Travelers on a budget prefer staying in hostels for financial reasons. Hostels provide a lot of options for travelers. You can stay in a private room with your own private bathroom or you can stay in a dormitory-type room, where you share it with other tourists. Toilets and baths are also usually shared.
4. Hotels – $$
Hotels are the default choice for many travelers because they provide a lot of availability and are just about everywhere. Hotels, especially the five-star accommodations, provide you security, safety and convenience.
Chateau St Tropez
5. Villas – $$$
Villas are luxury vacation rentals that are most suitable for travelers who want to enjoy luxury and comfort. Villas provide a lot of amenities to guests that may include access to beautiful pools, breathtaking scenery, and gourmet meals. You and your friends can have a party without fear that you are disturbing anyone or just lounge around in your swimsuit without having to worry about prying eyes. One distinct advantage of staying in villas over hotels is that you are not confined to just one room.
Out of all the accommodation options villa rentals are becoming the most popular not just among the affluent but for people traveling in groups. Villas are perfect for family getaways, reunions or couples retreats as the cost can be divided among multiple people. During winter Jamaica villas are a popular Caribbean destination as the island is a tropical paradise and the villas are second to none.
There are different types of accommodations that travelers can choose from. Just like anything, there are pros and cons. Make sure that you weigh all options to have an enjoyable vacation.
