There's more to planning a trip than simply choosing a destination. Where you stay is very important, as it can shape the entire experience. There are so many types of places to stay on vacation, each offering something different depending on your mood, budget, and travel style. Some individuals enjoy the flexibility and ease provided by hotels. Others like to go a bit personal by going for vacation rentals, cabins or boutique guesthouses.
There are even unique stays that feel like part of the adventure itself, such as houseboats, farm stays, or remote lodges. The place you choose becomes part of the story you bring home. To help you find the right fit for your next trip, here’s a look at some of the most popular and interesting options.
1. Hotels
Hotels are popular among all types of travelers. At hotels, guests check in and speak with the concierge about their needs at the reception counter. Hotels offer single rooms, executive suites, and larger en suite rooms with one or more beds. Stays can be as short as one night or as long as several weeks. Most hotels offer basic in-room amenities, including a TV, complimentary tea and coffee, mugs, a kettle, and free Wi-Fi.
In luxury hotels, each room may have a minibar that is typically completely supplied, amenities, slippers, a bathrobe, and an iron and ironing board. Anything you take out of the mini fridge will incur a charge. The hotel's housekeeping staff cleans the rooms every day. Although most hotels feature a restaurant and bar, the price of your stay does not include the food and beverages. Room service can be ordered via the phone in your room if you don't want to walk downstairs for meals. Conference rooms, swimming pools, and fitness centers are also available in hotels.
2. Aparthotel
Apartment hotels are also among the types of places to stay on vacation. Aparthotels can be booked similarly to standard hotel rooms, but you'll be staying in a private apartment with a bedroom, a living room, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a washing machine, instead of a small room. Although you can reserve an apartment for a brief visit, most travelers on longer travels rent them. Aparthotels are well-liked by families and business travelers seeking self-service lodging. Aparthotels provide guests with greater seclusion and a more intimate setting.
Apart Hotels are frequently referred to as “serviced apartments”. They include everything you need: pots and pans, blankets, and towels. Housekeeping will also clean them, but you will still be responsible for washing and cleaning up after yourself. Customers who reserve an aparthotel will take advantage of the building's amenities, including a gym, leisure spaces, and a concierge.
3. Resorts
While resorts and hotels share many of the same basic amenities, resorts are typically larger and provide a greater range of services, including salons, spas, and laundry facilities. Numerous resorts offer all-inclusive packages and are self-contained. Certain resorts have stores where visitors can buy souvenirs, travel necessities, and items related to their trip (like bathing suits and swimming goggles).
The resort you stay at may offer you various dining options, including different bars and restaurants and resort-planned excursion packages. Most resorts serve a variety of interests and activities. For example, they may be near a private sand beach and provide water activity rentals and lessons, or they could have their golf course or ski slope.
4. Motels
The term “motel” originated in the 1920s, decades after the term “hotel,” and is a combination of the words “motor” and “hotel.” Motels emerged to serve tourists as a cheap, convenient place to stay overnight during long journeys. They’re among the types of places to stay on vacation. They are often found beside highways and other major roadways and provide few, if any, amenities.
Additionally, motels typically have a different layout than regular hotels, with rooms accessible from the outside. Furthermore, hotels can be larger than motels, usually one to two floors high. Knowing the tastes and expectations of road trippers is crucial for hoteliers thinking about getting into the motel industry. Motels can differentiate themselves in this specialized market by providing individualized services like valet, historical tours for older accommodation, and even free fluff and fold.
5. Inns
An inn is typically significantly smaller than a regular or chain hotel. Inns, which are often owned by individuals or families, provide a cozy, homey atmosphere for their guests. They typically have fewer in-room amenities than major hotel chains; however, they may have in-room coffee, Wi-Fi, or limited breakfast selections.
Many inns offer guests a unique experience by providing different styles or décor in each room. Innkeepers must know that keeping the property's historical or unique charm while providing modern amenities is both a challenge and a strong selling point. To distinguish themselves, inns can foster a strong sense of community by presenting local events, art exhibits, or culinary experiences that draw both tourists and locals.
6. Eco Hotels
An eco hotel, also referred to as a green hotel or sustainable hotel, is one that prioritizes environmental stewardship and sustainability. It’s among the types of places to stay on vacation. Eco-friendly hotels support green efforts such as solar power and trash reduction, prioritizing lowering their ecological impact.
Hoteliers who want to run eco-friendly establishments must realize that sustainability can be a cost-cutting strategy and a marketing point. Even though eco-friendly solutions might cost more up front, they can save money on water and energy bills over time. It can be simple to adopt sustainable practices by offering vegetarian and vegan food options as well as local and seasonal options. Cooperation with nearby communities and backing for wildlife and environmental preservation initiatives can also have a beneficial effect outside of the hotel's operations.
7. Bed and Breakfast
A bed and breakfast (B&B) is an accommodation that provides tourists with a home-like ambiance. B&Bs are generally run by owners who live on the property and are typically located in residential areas. B&B guest rooms generally include private bathrooms and are custom-designed with unique furniture. Some even feature extra conveniences such as fireplaces or whirlpool tubs to enhance comfort.
One of the main benefits of a bed and breakfast is the delicious breakfast prepared each morning as part of your stay. Many B&Bs take great pride in giving you delicious, fresh meals created with local ingredients every morning. Many bed and breakfasts provide delicious meals and comfortable lodging, but they also offer individualized service that can make your trip memorable. Owners usually go above and beyond to ensure visitors have a fantastic stay, accommodating special requests, setting up transportation, or offering insider tips on local activities.
8. Hostels
Hostels are a popular housing option for budget-conscious travelers. They’re among the types of places to stay on vacation. Unlike hotels, hostels offer communal spaces like kitchens, lounges, and shared sleeping rooms with bunk beds. One of the main advantages of staying in a hostel is getting to know other tourists worldwide.
Hostels regularly arrange social events like group excursions and pub crawls, which makes meeting new people easy. Although some visitors might worry about their safety in a hostel, most have safety measures, such as 24-hour front desks and personal lockers for belongings. Another benefit is the flexibility that hostels offer. Most times, visitors can reserve just one night at a time or swiftly prolong their stay without committing to several nights.
9. Cottage
Cottages are an excellent choice for people who seek a comfortable and old housing style. These modest, one-story residences provide all the conveniences of home in a charming neighborhood. Cottages can be found in many different places around the world, from seaside estates to rural areas. They frequently include lovely accents like floral wallpaper, stone fireplaces, and wood-beamed ceilings.
One of the benefits of living in a cottage is that it provides more privacy than other forms of lodging, such as hotels or resorts. This makes them an excellent option for couples seeking a romantic trip or families hoping to spend quality time together. Cottages usually have kitchens, allowing you to prepare meals whenever you want rather than being limited by regular mealtimes like in hotels. This is another benefit of cottages.
Furthermore, cottages allow access to the outdoors, allowing guests to participate in many outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. This is ideal for reconnecting with nature and escaping the city. If you want a great holiday filled with stunning landscapes, clean air, and quiet, booking a stay at a lovely cottage should be at the top of your priority list.
10. Guest House
Guest homes are popular for travelers looking for a more intimate and homey experience. They’re among the types of places to stay on vacation. These private houses provide nice rooms in a residential setting. One of the advantages of staying in a guest home is the opportunity to interact with local hosts who can offer insider recommendations on where to visit and what to see.
Many lodging establishments also serve freshly prepared meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Although guest homes provide a variety of rooms, from simple to opulent, most contain common spaces like lounges or gardens where visitors can unwind and mingle. Certain guest houses even have exceptional amenities like hot tubs or swimming pools. While they are found all across the world, guesthouses are particularly popular in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
11. Studio Apartments
Travelers are increasingly choosing studio apartments because of their cost and convenience. These apartments are usually smaller and have an open-plan design where the kitchenette, living area, and bedroom are all in one unit. Compared to shared lodgings like hostels or dorms, studio apartments offer a significant advantage in terms of privacy. For couples or lone travelers who appreciate some alone time, this makes them perfect.
Aside from being private places, studio apartments frequently have basic conveniences such as Wi-Fi and cooking facilities. You can save money by making meals instead of eating out every night. While some people may find the limited room difficult, others consider it an opportunity to live simply while traveling. Even those on more extended vacations can feel at ease in these snug abodes with careful packing and planning.
12. Log Cabin
Log cabins are popular lodging options for those seeking a unique and rustic experience. They’re among the types of places to stay on vacation. These cabins' rustic appearance, which results from their log construction, blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings. They can be found worldwide, especially in rural and hilly regions. One of the main advantages of a log cabin is its comfortable environment.
Wood treatments in the interiors create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It is also important to remember that vintage fireplaces and wood-burning stoves add to the appeal of many log cabins. Another advantage of log cabins is privacy. Unlike hotels or resorts, which may require guests to share common areas such as lobbies or pools, log cabins give each guest or group separate quarters.
This makes it ideal for those who wish to relax away from the crowds. Furthermore, most log cabins offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing your memory of your stay. Whether you're searching for breathtaking mountain ranges or lush forests, you can find them all while lodging in one of these rustic lodgings.
13. Dormitory
Dormitories are a popular option for budget-conscious travelers. These shared rooms usually contain public restrooms and several beds, occasionally bunk beds. Dorms are an affordable choice for people who want to save money and network with other travelers, even though they might not offer the seclusion or comfort of other lodging options.
The opportunity to socialize with other tourists from around the globe is one of the primary advantages of living in a dorm. This is the ideal setting for single tourists who want to socialize and make new friends while on the road. It's important to remember that sharing space with strangers can have drawbacks.
Not everyone is happy with the sleeping arrangements, and there can occasionally be a lot of noise. Choosing a dorm should take safety measures like lockers or safe places to keep valuables into account. Many hostels now offer private or semi-private room options, which provide a little more privacy while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
14. Chalets
A chalet is a wooden structure resembling a house or cottage with overhanging eaves. In technical terms, chalets are structures of Alpine design, as the idea was first introduced in France and Switzerland. It’s among the types of places to stay on vacation. Chalets and other lodging options are most frequently linked to well-known locations for hiking and skiing. This connection is so deep that, even if it doesn’t physically resemble Swiss chalets, any vacation home-style lodging frequently used for skiing excursions is referred to as a chalet in many parts of the world.
15. Campsites
Camping is a type of lodging that provides an outdoor, adventurous experience. It entails putting up camp in a natural setting, such as a park, woodland, or beach. Camping can take many different forms, ranging from traditional camping to glamping. Camping allows you to spend time with nature and the environment. You may go trekking, fishing, and stargazing without the distractions of everyday life. Camping is also an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, as it is typically less expensive than hotels or resorts.
16. Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing could be an excellent choice for people traveling on a tight budget. It’s among the types of places to stay on vacation. This usually provides free lodging for travellers. It entails staying with a local host, who provides a couch or, in some cases, a spare room for visitors to sleep in. Couchsurfing is an excellent method to meet people and gain insider knowledge about the location. One advantage of Couchsurfing is the affordability. It's free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Couchsurfing is also a fantastic way to learn about local culture and customs because you will stay with any local family or individual.
Conclusion
The type of accommodations you choose for your trip might significantly impact your travel experience. Whether you want simplicity or elegance, several options suit your needs and budget. Make sure you thoroughly plan your vacation before booking any kind of accommodation so you can select a comfortable and helpful option.
