When planning your next big vacation, you want to make sure every aspect is perfect. You probably spend hours looking at which attraction to visit and weeks deciding what restaurants you absolutely must stop at. Yet when it comes to where you will be sleeping every night, you need to put a little extra thought into deciding the best place to stay. After all, your accommodations will set the stage for your entire vacation- you need to choose the right place!
While searching for the ideal vacation accommodation may seem simple, it can actually get quite overwhelming. There are so many types of places to stay and so many amenities to choose from that it can be difficult to prioritize what you want and what to choose. This guide will help lead you in the right direction to choose the best vacation accommodations possible.
Location
The number one thing to consider when choosing a place to stay while on vacation is location. The location where you stay will set the stage for your entire trip. Do you want to be in the center of all the action, downtown in a busy city or do you prefer to be outside of town in a quieter location? Making this choice is a priority and should be the first thing you consider.
Proximity to transportation is also something to think about when deciding where to stay. If you will be relying on public transportation while on vacation, you may want to pick a more urban accommodation. If you will be using a car or plan on just settling into the area near where you are staying, you may not need to have access to public transportation.
When considering location, you also may want to think about the view of the surrounding area. If you are looking for an ocean front view, that will limit the places where you can stay for sure (not all hotels are on the water!). However, on the other hand, if you plan on being away from your hotel the majority of the time, view might not matter so much.
In a nutshell, location is something essential that you need to think about when choosing a vacation accommodation. Think about your ideal spot and then continue on in your search, looking only in the area you have designated.
Type Of Accommodation
Do you enjoy luxury hotels, quaint cottage rentals or do you need a suite with a working kitchen while on vacation? These are all important questions when choosing what type of place you would like to stay in. While a hotel used to be the most popular choice for vacationers (they are simple, straightforward and the first go to for many people) websites like Armor-Vacances have completely changed the options you have. You can now easily rent whole houses, apartments or just a simple room in someone’s house and research it all from the comfort of your home.
The type of place you can stay while on vacation is completely dependent on where you will feel the most comfortable. So, if you enjoy having amenities like a swimming pool and housekeepers that clean your room each day, opt for a hotel. If you like the idea of living like a native to the area, look to rent an apartment. Be sure to always check the reviews and read what others who have stayed in a place before you have to say!
Budget
As you consider location and the type of accommodation you would like to stay in, your budget will also come into play. Vacations can be expensive and while you may want to splurge on the fanciest, priciest, luxury hotel, sticking to your budget is key. If you spend all your money on the top of the line accommodation, you will have little money left to explore the area where you are staying. You don’t want to limit your vacation just because you spent too much on a hotel with extra soft sheets!
Balancing your budget with quality can be done by considering what is included in the price of the room. You may be willing to pay a little more if you are staying somewhere with a pool if that is important to you. Reading online reviews again comes into play here as you will want to see if others felt the accommodations were worth the cost. All in all, make a budget specifically for your accommodations and don’t waiver. Look for quality for the cost while searching.
Hidden Costs
While you are thinking about budget, be sure to consider any hidden costs that may be associated with the place you choose to stay. Many accommodations charge extra for internet, have a house phone fee, will add on to your bill if you watch certain channels on TV or even just have high city taxes that are tacked on to your final invoice. Be aware of these charges and find out ahead of time if you will incur any extra fees. You can call accommodations before booking and ask if there are additional charges and then factor them into your budget and your final decision.
Party Of…
If you are traveling with others, you should definitely take their needs into consideration as well. If young kids are in your party, look for accommodations near a playground or park. Maybe your kids would enjoy a pool, and therefore, it should be a priority. If you are traveling with your significant other, maybe you want an accommodation that offers a hint of romance to make your trip more amorous. The place you stay needs to suit everyone’s needs!
Picking the perfect vacation accommodation is much harder than just clicking on the first venue that pops up in a quick search. The right accommodation sets the tone for your vacation as a whole so you should take the time to find one that is perfect. Consider the location, your budget, what type of place you would like to stay in and the needs of others traveling with you. When all those items are factored in, you will be able to narrow your options down to the ones that fit you best.