Accommodations
Choosing accommodations is a balancing act; at the very least, travelers prioritize among price, location, facilities, cleanliness, and safety when deciding where to stay. Initially, you’ll have to choose whether to stay in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse, dorm, campsite, or private home. The following is a description of the benefits and downsides of each type of accommodation, establishment:
1. Hotels: Though they are the most common choice, hotels have their drawbacks: they generally do not offer as many facilities as hostels and are usually more expensive. Stil
l, while hostels, dorms, and campsites are generally considered the most dirt-cheap travel options, hotels are more private, cause less hassle, and can sometimes be cheaper for larger groups: a quad at $75 per night is cheaper than four beds at $20 each. Often, lesser-known, privately owned hotels offer a better value and a greater degree of personality that their big-name chain counterparts. Keep in mind that a budget “hotel” carries very different meanings in different regions: in some locales, a cheap “hotel” more closely resembles a hostel.
2. Hostels: Primarily for students and youth, hostels provide no-frills, inexpensive lodging and are the ideal place to meet fellow backpackers. They may offer access to kitchens, laundry machines, lockers, and common rooms. Guests pay by the bed and are usually lodged with other visitors. Hostels are most prevalent in Western Europe, the
3. B&Bs or Guesthouses: These smaller, privately owned mixes between hotels and private homes are often the places to stay. Rates are generally cheap, the rooms are nice, and breakfasts are included in the price. Bed and breakfast—get it?
4. College Dorms: When school is out, colleges in major tourist destinations often rent out beds at below-hostel rates. Dorms can be an excellent and cheap accommodation during the summer, especially when planning long-term summer stays in the area. There are a few major drawbacks, however: dorms often sit on the outskirts of a city; they sometimes require reservations far in advance; and they’re only a summer option.
5. Camping: Setting up tent on a campground is not the most convenient option, but the price is right. In addition to renting out spots, campgrounds usually rent tents and sometimes cabins. When sleeping outdoors, safety is a major concern, so check out the surrounding area, note whether the campground is enclosed, and look for a security guard. Consider the availability of electricity and running water and keep in mind that campsites can be inconveniently far from the town center. Government-run campgrounds are often cheaper and safer than privately run ones. Some prefer to camp out on beaches and in parks, rather than at official campsites, for absolutely free; if you choose this option, make sure your campsite is safe and legal.
6. Private homes: Often locals greet travelers at train and bus stations, eager to rent out a room in their house or apartment for a few days. Though the price may be low, there is absolutely no way of knowing that these rooms are safe, and often the practice is illegal. Still, in many places, renting private rooms is a legitimate option. It’s usually best to locate private homes that rent rooms through the tourist office or an agency.
7. Serviced Apartments: A serviced apartment is a type of furnished, self-contained apartment designed for short-term stays, which provides amenities for daily use.
Serviced apartments can be less expensive than equivalent hotel rooms. Since the beginning of the boom in cheap international travel and the corresponding increase in the level of sophistication of international travelers, interest in serviced apartments has risen at the expense of the use of hotels for short stays.
