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Gennady Podolsky, an experienced global travel concierge, discusses the advantages of broadening travellers’ horizons via unique accommodations.
A satisfying travel experience begins with an appealing destination that offers diverse sights and adventures. When travellers wind down from their daily activities, though, they want to relax in comfortable accommodations. These lodgings run the gamut from hotels and hostels to homestays, houseboats, and more.
Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky profiles eight types of domestic and international travel accommodations. He also offers guidance for choosing the perfect “home away from home.”
4 traditional lodging choices
Many travellers have developed their own lodging preferences and aren’t willing to gamble on non-traditional options. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky describes four types of conventional accommodations.
Reputable chain hotels
Hotels continue to top the list of preferred global accommodations. United States travellers often stay in a name-brand hotel while visiting another state or region. International travellers frequently choose a globally known hotel brand while exploring a foreign destination.
Each location likely offers similar amenities and guest services. This means travellers know what to expect when making a reservation. They’ll enjoy a private bedroom and bathroom, and many hotels offer a fitness centre and pool. Airport transportation, a business centre, and onsite restaurants and shops are other familiar amenities. Many travellers accept the higher lodging prices that accompany these desirable perks.
However, cookie-cutter hotels lack character and charm. Each facility often features the same general configuration and furnishings. That said, some hotel chains integrate regional elements into the facility’s décor. Southwestern United States hotels typically use earth tone colours and desert motifs. South Florida hotels often integrate tropical colours and island motifs.
Rustic, comfortable lodges
Travellers who gravitate to remote locations often stay in unpretentious (and often eco-friendly) lodges. Although some lodge accommodations are decidedly rustic, others offer more conveniences and amenities. Because lodges are well off the beaten path, the facilities generally feature an onsite restaurant and other guest amenities.
Lodge guests can also get up close and personal with the native wildlife. Some lodges help facilitate wildlife tours, safaris, or guided adventures. Others promote wildlife viewing experiences while making a minimal footprint on the landscape.
Appealing bed & breakfasts
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Charming bed & breakfasts (or B&Bs) are found throughout the United States and in many overseas destinations. Often operated by the property’s owner, these private homes generally offer an intimate feel and family-like atmosphere. During a B&B stay, guests often develop an informal camaraderie and enjoy socialising together.
Most bed & breakfast lodging rates include breakfast the following morning. Some B&Bs may include additional snacks or meals. Either way, this timeless lodging option offers a comfortable accommodation with a touch of home.
No-frills community hostels
Community hostels have traditionally catered to younger travellers on a budget. Many global cities and regions (especially in Europe) offer these no-frills accommodations at lower-end prices. Hostels generally offer dormitory-style guest rooms with shared bathrooms and a lounge area ideal for socialising with other travellers. Food and drinks are frequently available onsite.
Today, lower-priced hostels continue to cater to backpackers and solo travellers. More recently, higher-end hostels have come onto the market, offering individual rooms for travellers and families who prefer their privacy. Either way, hostels offer reasonably priced accommodations and the opportunity to meet other interesting travellers.
4 offbeat lodging options
Adventurous travellers are often receptive to “out of the box” accommodations. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky highlights four lodgings that add a rich local flavour to any trip.
Full-immersion homestays
Travellers desiring full cultural immersion should consider a homestay. Here, the traveller stays in a local family’s home, usually in a private bedroom with other common facilities. Guests receive home-cooked meals plus an introduction to local cultural traditions and customs. Concurrently, guests are given the opportunity to share their culture with their hosts.
As with any lodging, guests are expected to keep their living spaces tidy and adhere to all house rules. Guests should also respect the host family’s moral and religious beliefs. Behaviours such as drinking, smoking, and loud partying will often not be welcome.
Salty-looking houseboats
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Staying on a comfortably furnished houseboat is a memorable experience. Whether travellers plan to visit a United States lake or a European canal, they’ll likely have multiple houseboat accommodations available. Although many houseboats are secured to a dock, some lodging agreements permit the traveller to cruise on a local lake or river.
Smaller houseboats may offer fewer amenities and a more simplified lodging experience. Larger vessels offer all the comforts of home. Multiple staterooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and outdoor entertaining space invite guests to enjoy a singular lodging experience.
Well-appointed vintage train cars
Train travel enthusiasts, and travellers who appreciate one-of-a-kind lodgings, are discovering the appeal of vintage train cars. These classic reminders of a bygone era are located in historic venues across the United States. Comfort-focused travellers can book a night (or longer) in these nicely restored accommodations.
Glamping tents, yurts, and treehouses
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The term “glamping” refers to more comfortable, civilised tent camping. A large, all-weather tent on a sturdy base keeps guests off the buggy, potentially rain-soaked ground. Most glamping tents feature amenities such as a real bed and indoor lighting. Some tents offer a seating area, portable cooking surface, and perhaps even a standalone air conditioner or woodstove. Toilet and shower facilities are likely located nearby.
Sturdy circular yurts are popular in remote domestic and overseas destinations. Constructed of all-weather fabric, these roomy living spaces often feature insulation and some degree of climate control. Some yurts offer a see-through central cover, allowing guests to enjoy evening stargazing. Yurts are often comfortably furnished and offer pleasing guest amenities.
Lofty tree houses continue to intrigue guests who desire an authentic forest experience without luxury amenities. Built on sturdy platforms, these relatively rustic lodgings appeal to nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Staying in a treehouse is a true “get away from it all” experience that makes some travellers’ “bucket lists.”
Two proven strategies for choosing an accommodation
With multiple accommodations from which to choose, travellers may find it difficult to make a decision. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky offers two pearls of wisdom for finding the right lodging.
First, each traveller should clearly define their needs before beginning their lodging search. Perhaps they must be located near a specific venue. Maybe their physical limitations dictate that they book a building with an elevator. Their limited budget may narrow their search to certain types of options.
Once these parameters are in place, global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky recommends that the traveller consider all options that satisfy these requirements. After reading relevant reviews, and ideally consulting with an experienced travel advisor, the traveller can make a better-informed lodging decision.
Featured image credit: Datingscout | Unsplash
