You’ve Chosen A Destination!

I’m so happy you settled on a location for this vacation! Whether you are hitting a beach or a theme park or a National Park, you’ve made a fabulous choice. You could be visiting this location for the tenth time or the first time, either way I’m excited for the possibilities you have just unlocked. Just last night Sweet Husband and I were discussing Spring Break and considering different destinations! The planning phase is so much fun—and so important—so now that you’ve narrowed down the destination, let’s figure out where to actually stay! 

There are so many more options these days for where you will sleep in this new location. While in the past, a hotel was really your only option, nowadays we have alternatives from Airbnb to VRBO to a B&B! It’s important that you evaluate all of your options, so you have the best possible vacation experience.

Evaluate Your Ideal Vacation

The most important thing, in my opinion, is to envision what your perfect vacation will look like. Consider questions like these: How far from the beach do you want to stay? Will a small hotel room suit all of our needs? Do I really want to cook on vacation? The charge HOW MUCH for parking on site? Will we really be in the room that much? I’ll have to make the bed myself?

Questions of that nature will help you identify what your true priorities are, as opposed to things that just don’t matter to you. Armed with all of this new knowledge, you now have more research to do, since different locations have different opportunities for overnight lodging, and some places will not have exactly what you are envisioning. 

Research What Is Available At This Location

Hotel or motel? 

Yes, Virginia, there really is a difference! According to the Reader’s Digest motels are a much newer phenomenon, and gained popularity as roadside one- or two-night accommodations for travelers, whereas hotels are more like the destination within a city or area.

The biggest difference to me—and why I far prefer hotels—is the distinction of the door itself. Hotels have indoor walkways, as opposed to motels where the door faces directly outside. This security feature means a lot to me—particularly traveling with my Bestie Boo—and is what pushes me to hotels more often than not. Amenities like nicer lobbies, multiple floors of rooms, pools and the potential of free breakfast also categorize hotels, and provide additional benefits than motels. 

One night on the road? Put me in a nice clean motel. As  destination lodging, however, put me in a decent hotel. 

Renting an entire condo/house? 

This relatively new entrant in the lodging category is a fabulous alternative in many destinations, and one you should absolutely consider! I’ve done this in a number of destinations, and think it is a fabulous alternative in certain markets when finding where to stay.

For example, as a Disney fanatic I usually stay onsite in Florida using my DVC timeshare, but not always. When I have traveled to Disney World with my extended family, we have rented an entire house several times within a few miles of the theme parks. The benefits included up to six bedrooms, a full kitchen, a dining room for the entire group, and a private pool in the backyard. Much more comfortable than small hotel rooms with no kitchen facilities, I must say. I’ve also done this in the Outer Banks in North Carolina, and this summer in Rocky Point, Mexico.

While I don’t “cook” on vacation, having that kitchen option allowed us unlimited coffee, a place to have a nice breakfast and a way to minimize lunch expenses. We still eat dinner out most of the nights, but it’s a great way to reheat leftovers the next day.

While you gain unlimited parking when you rent a place, you do lose some of the appeal of a hotel. For example, you are responsible for the normal clean-up that is usually tended to by housekeeping. You will make your own beds, wash and put away your own dishes, reuse your towels, and keep the living spaces neat and tidy. While none of this bothers me, you need to really explore your feelings to make sure you don’t just feel like you are still doing your daily work in a different location.    

Should I stay with friends?

We are extremely lucky that many of our friends have agreed to put up with us—I mean put us up—through the years. While this is the most economical of our options, it should not be entered into without full consideration, when thinking about where to stay. No matter how close you are, staying with someone else is an imposition for them and you need to minimize the impact on their regular life as much as you can. While it’s your vacation, they may still need to work or care for parents or children during the day. Be considerate of the additional work your visit creates! In addition to doubling (or more!) their grocery budget this week, you also create several loads of laundry with your sheets and towels from your visit. 

If you choose to go this route, at least sometimes, be the best guest you can be! In addition to a lovely hostess gift, you need to include your friends—at your expense—in your plans. Further, cooking should be minimized in favor of one or more nice dinners you pay for. The last morning you can easily strip the bed and towels and throw it all into the washing machine, too! 

Hostel/Euro room?

I can see your eyebrows going up as you think “Really, Patti?”. I’m not kidding—this is a viable option…for some people!

My favorite beach in California is Pacific Beach, and right next door is famous Mission Beach—with the famous Mission Beach hostel!! We are heading to Seattle and just found out our hotel offers “Euro rooms” with a shared, hallway shower! I can’t make this stuff up! Finding and staying in these types of accommodations is, in my opinion, a younger person’s game, but I had to mention it! Significantly more common in Europe, this may be an excellent way for you to explore a new area.

Nope…it’s not for me. But…you’re not me! Get out there and try this form of “commune living”, and comment below your experiences. I would genuinely LOVE to hear about it!

Put out some feelers

Here is the best piece of advice I can offer you: Reach out to people you know who have visited your destination. Our recent Rocky Point, Mexico condo was recommended by a friend who owns there, and in the Outer Banks we’ve got my brother’s house. If you don’t know anyone who has been to this destination, hit the internet hard looking for reviews and suggestions from seasoned travelers. 

No matter where you are going, you aren’t the first one going there! Use the combined wisdom of friends and researchers to help you make your best decision. 

Making The Choice

After all of your research and conversations with people you know, you need to make the best possible decision you can. Maybe it will be the perfect choice, maybe you’ll choose differently next time, but make the choice. 

The “rules” vary with the different types of accommodations we’ve listed, so make sure you know what you’re dealing with when finding where to stay.

For example, the Mexico condo required full payment in advance with no refunds or changes allowed—significantly more strict than any hotel I’ve ever stayed in. That is quite common with rentals from “real people”, whether I’ve used VRBO.com or directly from the condo developer. My life doesn’t always allow for such rigid rules, so sometimes I will make my second choice instead of the perfect choice, and, guess what? The vacations are still fabulous.  

Enjoy The Experience

People vacation for so many different reasons, and my only hope is that you get out of each vacation whatever you were seeking. Whereas my theme park jaunts are 16-hour marathons in the relentless Florida heat, we didn’t move off the beach in Mexico from 9 am to 8 pm every day. 

However…sometimes…I hope you go away to expand yourself. Your knowledge, your cultural understanding, maybe even your physical limits on a great hike. If that’s your plan, choose your accommodations carefully, and maybe a little bit differently, than you normally do.

Just get out there~

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR

Thank you for reading all about where to stay on vacation!!

Hey, since you’re here! You may as well check out some other tips, like how to solve common travel challenges, here, or how to plan a staycations, here! Or, check out our other topics here! Either way, I appreciate you!

Please leave a COMMENT about any tips you may have!! Or comment with YOUR story! Where’re your next trip going to be? Let me know!

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