Different Types of Accommodation According to Your Travel Style

In short:

1. Diverse Accommodation Options: Gone are the days of limited choices between hotels and villas; today, travellers have many options catering to various budgets and preferences.
2. Varied Experiences: From house sitting and hostels to apartments, homestays, and resorts, travellers can choose accommodations that offer unique experiences, local immersion, or luxury amenities.
3. Affordable Alternatives: Budget-conscious travellers can find options like hostels, guesthouses, Couchsurfing, and Airbnb rentals that provide cost-effective yet enriching stays without compromising comfort or local experiences.

Hotels and villas were usually the only options for holidays or travel. Most of us accepted this and didn’t bother asking if other options were available.

Some of you are travelling on a budget and have no choice but to stay in a terrible budget hotel with very little flexibility. Nowadays, we have many accommodation options, and it can be hard to pick which is best.

You don’t need much money to travel the world —don’t believe the myth that you need a lot of money! The only time you’ll spend a considerable amount of money on travelling is if you want to, and in this article, we will show some options for every wallet size. Let’s start.

Types of Accommodation According to Travel Style

House Sitting

Many travellers love this. You stay in someone else’s house while the owner is away on work or vacation. All you need to do is watch over the house and perform several basic tasks, usually caring for pets. The effort is generally close to 0, and you can have a place you can call home with great circumstances. It’s nice to finish some work online.

Hostels

Hostels aren’t always the budget option. However, hostels are developing and becoming an excellent option for mid-market travellers. Some travellers can’t afford luxury hotel accommodation but don’t like to stay in a boring budget hotel. Boutique hotels also provide something unique and quirky, which these luxury hostels have.

Hostels were once known to have overcrowded bedrooms filled with bunk beds and the unpleasant smell of backpackers, but they can now be a boutique experience. Boutique hostels normally have private rooms as well as more affordable dorm rooms. There are shared areas where you can interact with people and have some space away from the confines of your bedroom. They also have completely equipped kitchens, so you can save money on your meals.

Apartments

It became very typical during the last decade for travellers to stay in local apartments. Usually, these apartments can be rented, which means they are completely furnished, and you experience the place from a local neighbourhood. You may discover humble private rooms in someone else’s house to a 5-star complete apartment at the top of a tower.

Apart’hotels

Apart’hotels are a new thing to some. Its name conveys that they’re a mix of apartment-style rooms with hotel features. They have reception, room service, breakfast, gym, and cleaners, just like you would get in a hotel, but you have an apartment rather than just a single hotel room.

Guesthouses

You can try staying at guesthouses for budget travellers who want unique experiences! These are common in Asia and are commonly small and budget-friendly. They vary from small hotels to beach huts, tiny bungalows or rooms in a person’s house like a B&B. You may even negotiate with guest house owners over the price or at least have your breakfast included for free.

Homestays

Homestays are the best option for local experiences. If you aim to have an actual feel for the local culture, you can opt for a homestay where you reside in a local family’s house. You’ll get to experience having meals with them, and one family member will frequently take you under their wing and tour you around.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is the ideal stay for local experiences and travellers with a strict budget. If you are unfamiliar with Couchsurfing, it’s a community website where you can find hosts and sleep on a person’s couch or an extra room. If you’re fortunate enough, that’s free. The host will even show you around town, and you’d be expected to come and hang out with them instead of just using their home as a free crash pad.

Aside from being free, it’s also the best way to get to know the local area, and many travellers see its magic!

Airbnb or Private House Rental

These types of accommodation are suited for groups, families, and long-term travel. Private house rental is the perfect option for almost all kinds of travellers. Airbnb is a viral website where you can find homes to rent, but many alternatives exist. The setting here is to rent out a person’s home for your stay. The person can live abroad or remain with family or friends during your booked dates. You’ll be able to find everything from little apartments to huge and lavish houses.

Resorts

If you love great facilities and amenities, resorts are a great accommodation. They are normally self-contained, have all the necessary facilities, and are ideal for family holidays. Resorts tend to be in central places, including the local towns, or maybe in more rural private areas, which is amazing for the perfect getaway and honeymoon.

Conclusion:

The landscape of travel accommodations has evolved significantly, offering travellers various options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you seek local immersion, luxurious amenities, or cost-effective stays, there’s now something available for everyone, making travel more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.

Is house sitting safe for travellers?

House sitting can be safe for travelers when arranged through reputable platforms with thorough screening processes for both hosts and sitters. It’s essential to communicate clearly with the homeowner and establish mutual expectations beforehand.

Are hostels suitable for families with children?

Some hostels offer family-friendly accommodations, including private rooms and facilities catering to children. However, it’s essential to research and choose hostels that specifically cater to families and provide suitable amenities.

How do I find reliable Airbnb rentals?

To find reliable Airbnb rentals, read reviews from previous guests, verify the host’s identity and ratings, communicate openly with the host to clarify any concerns, and use Airbnb’s secure payment system for bookings.

What amenities can I expect in an aparthotel?

Apart’hotels typically offer a combination of hotel services (reception, room service, breakfast) and apartment-style accommodations (fully equipped kitchen, living area). Amenities may vary but often include cleaning services, gym facilities, and sometimes laundry facilities.

Are homestays culturally immersive?

Homestays can offer culturally immersive experiences as travelers stay with local families, participate in daily routines, and engage in cultural exchanges. The level of immersion may vary depending on the host family and the activities offered.

Is Couchsurfing only for solo travellers?

Couchsurfing is open to travelers of all types, including solo travelers, couples, families, and groups. It’s a community-based platform where hosts offer accommodations to guests free of charge, emphasizing cultural exchange and hospitality.

What are the advantages of staying in a resort?

Resorts often provide a range of amenities and activities, including pools, spas, restaurants, recreational facilities, and organized excursions. They offer a self-contained experience with everything needed for a relaxing vacation in one location.

Can I negotiate prices at guesthouses?

Negotiating prices at guesthouses may be possible in some cases, especially during off-peak seasons or for longer stays. However, it’s essential to approach negotiations respectfully and be mindful of local customs and pricing practices.

What precautions should I take when using Couchsurfing?

When using Couchsurfing, take precautions by thoroughly reviewing potential hosts’ profiles, reading reviews from previous guests, communicating openly about expectations, meeting in public places initially, and trusting your instincts.

Are there any hidden fees associated with private house rentals on Airbnb?

While Airbnb typically discloses all fees upfront, guests should be aware of additional costs such as cleaning fees, service fees, and security deposits, which can vary depending on the property and host. Read the listing details carefully before booking.