Is this your first time searching for accommodations or are you an experienced traveler that already knows what a hotel stay is like? In either situation with so many other travel accommodation options available, you might find yourself in a dilemma on which one to choose? You've come to the right place. We'll highlight each one and tell you everything you need to know to help with making the right choice for your next trip.
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WHAT IS A HOSTEL? This is not a silly question!
Before we answer this question, here's some background, Hostels have a rich culture dating back to the early 1900s. The idea of hostels began in Germany and was opened in the United States for the first time in the early 1930s. According to Hostelworld, there are 16,500 hostels in 180 countries. Hostels are inexpensive accommodations catered to specific groups of travelers. Typically they are shared dormitories as well as some budget-friendly private rooms. Most hostels may offer other amenities such as a shared lounge and kitchen facilities. The most common types of hostels are Youth Hostels and Backpackers Hostels. You can search and book the right Hostel for you, click here.
BUDGET HOSTELS
Budget hostels are perfect for students and those on a tight budget. Every year hostels are becoming more popular so it’s easier than ever to find a cheap hostel in almost any city. The travel cost is much lower especially if travelers shares a dorm room. Shared rooms are often furnished with bunk beds that fit 4 to 8 travelers and have a shared bathroom. This is cost effective because you get to split the cost with other travelers.
YOUTH HOSTELS
These are meant mostly for students or young people and are typically supported by charitable organizations or universities. These types of hostels are simple and food is usually provided in the cafeteria.
BACKPACKERS HOSTELS
These types of hostels have more creative interiors and cosy corners for book swaps, a shared kitchenette to cook simple meals, shared bathrooms, and common spaces. Some hostels will market themselves as backpacker hostels just to appeal to a certain crowd. Most backpacker hostels offer dormitories instead of private rooms to keep costs low and foster more socializing.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS:
Pros:
1. Affordable. While prices can vary, you can generally expect hostels to cost between $10 to $40 per night.
2. You’ll often have access to a kitchen, allowing you to save costs by cooking your own meals.
3. Hostels are a great way to meet other people and make friends, as there are common areas where travelers socialize.
Cons:
1. Sometimes clean linens and towels aren't included in the price, so an extra fee may be charged.
2. Lack of privacy. You might be sharing a room with several people.
3. Your experience depends a lot on other travelers because you'll be meeting and interacting with so many people. Depending on who you're rooming with, there may be challenges.
WHAT IS A HOMESTAY?
Homestay provides an opportunity to stay with a local family. It's an affordable accommodation alternative, ideal for independent leisure travelers of all ages, students who study abroad or participate in student exchange programs, au pairs, and anyone seeking a real and genuine travel experience. It allows you to experience the local community and culture of the place you’re visiting. Homestay now offers guests a selection of over 63,000 rooms in over 176 countries. More information can be found on our Homestay: May The Host Be With You blog.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS:
Pros:
1. A warm greeting from your host family upon your arrival who is dedicated to helping you settle in and make you feel at home.
2. You will be fully immersed in the language and the most effective cultural interaction.
3. You will get to experience celebrations, holidays, and festivals with your host family and participate in local traditions.
Cons:
1. Similarly to Hostels, you might experience less privacy and are subject to the family’s rules.
2. You do not have constant access to other students, unless there are other university students staying in the house. Also, friends may not be able to visit.
3. You eat whatever your host family eats. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but you may view it as such because it's food you're not accustomed to.
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WHAT IS A HOTEL?
A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging, meals and other services for travelers and tourists. It provides a place for guests to stay overnight or for a short duration of stay. It’s unknown exactly how many hotels and hotel rooms are in the world. According to HotelTechReport "STR estimates there are 17.5 million guest rooms in 187,000 hotels worldwide, but nobody knows the actual figures".
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS:
Pros:
1. Hotels are usually well positioned where it's close to eateries, shopping centers and attractions you're interested in.
2. Hotels often offer various services like room service, laundry, and concierge. You'll be able to find hotels that have breakfast included in the cost.
3. Hotels usually have comfortable rooms with high-quality beds and furniture. Some hotels also offer great views of the city or oceanfront depending on location.
Cons:
1. Depending on the destination and travel dates, it can be expensive. If you're on a budget, it might be better to consider other accommodations such as Vrbo or Homestay.
2. If you’re staying in a hotel room for a long time, it can start to feel a bit claustrophobic. If you're looking for long-term stay, usually more than a week, you might want to consider renting a house which you can find on Vrbo.
3. If you’re staying in a hotel during peak season, it can get quite crowded which is something to keep in mind if traveling with children.
To begin comparing hotel costs and to book your next stay, start your search below.
Homestays, Hostels and Hotels all have their differences and benefits. What’s important is that you know which one fits your travel needs. Consider what’s important to you on a specific kind of trip, your travel style and your budget, and then you’ll know which is your best option! If you're ready to go on vacation and haven’t booked your flights, car rentals, accommodations, events, and fun activities, start now by clicking the link below.
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