Choosing where to stay on a trip can be a daunting task. Knowing the difference between different kinds of accommodation can be even scarier! Hotel vs. hostel, Airbnb vs. apartment. And what in the world is Couchsurfing? I was confused once too, and have compiled this list for reference on your future travels!
Hotels
The first idea that typically pops in your head when you need a place to sleep is a hotel. A hotel is a form of accommodation for multiple travelers at once, offering private rooms, bathrooms, and other higher-end services. Hotels can range from luxury to cheap and almost “sketchy”. Many luxury travelers choose to stay in hotels or all-inclusive resorts for their benefits.
Pros: Hotels are typically pretty reliable, especially larger chains. Their hotels are virtually the same across the globe, so you know what to expect. Their locations are usually fairly close to the center of the city as well. Room service, maid service, and other services are usually included.
Cons: Because hotels, especially chains, are virtually the same around the world, you may be giving up a cultural experience. Hotels can be more expensive than other forms of accommodations as well. Rooms rarely have a kitchen to cook your own meals, forcing you to go out for meals and spend more money on your trip.
Booking.com is my go-to to find local hotels and resorts. I also use HotelTonight for discounts on a last-minute hotel booking. Be sure to use code SMINTNER at checkout for a $25 discount on your first HotelTonight booking!
All-Inclusive Resort
An all-inclusive resort is similar to a hotel, only many travelers never feel the need to leave the area. Instead of just a building with private rooms, an all-inclusive resort often includes food, alcohol, and various activities included in the cost. For those wanting a true vacation to escape from daily life, an all-inclusive resort may be worth the money. However, I typically dislike these resorts due to the inability to experience local culture in a new area.
Pros: Luxury travel, with most activities and meals included in the face value. Expect high-end service, rooms, and food!
Cons: All-inclusive resorts are notoriously expensive. They can also limit your cultural experience in a new country by restricting your need to explore outside the resort’s gates.
TripAdvisor or Booking.com can be used to find resorts and reviews for your next trip!
Bed and Breakfast
A bed and breakfast, guesthouse, or pension, are unique places to stay. They are often run by locals and can range from a single, private room to multiple rooms open to visitors in the house. Breakfast is typically included, and the owner is usually the host. It’s a great way to get to know a local and stay in a unique, homey location during your travels.
Pros: Unique accommodation and each one will be different. Owners are often quirky and friendly locals. Often, you will be supporting a business owner rather than a corporation. A homemade breakfast is typically included!
Cons: Bed and breakfasts can be a little farther away from the city center, as they are owned by individuals. There is a chance that you will be sharing a bathroom with other guests, or that breakfast times can be very early.
Motel
On the other end of the hotel-spectrum, we have motels. Motels are often low-budget hotels, where travelers park their vehicles right outside, or very nearly, their room door. Motels are specifically designed for motorists passing through the area and are typically not used for a long-term stay. You will find motels across the United States, where road-tripping is a great way to see the country! I stayed in motels during my 2018 US road trip to save money. They aren’t the most glamorous, but it’s a cheap and easy way to snag a bed for the night.
Pros: Very cheap, and easily found accommodation in the United States. There will almost always be a room available for the night.
Cons: Motels can be dirty, and sometimes located in a dangerous location. I’ve stayed in some nice motels, but there have been others that I refused to sleep in the sheets. Just be prepared!
Hostel
A hostel is an inexpensive version of a hotel. These buildings are often run by other travelers, and contain dorm rooms with bunk beds or cubicles instead of only private rooms. Private and double rooms can be available, just like a hotel, but typically at a lower cost due to the lower number of high-end services. For example, most hostels I have stayed in don’t offer free towels, and I have never stayed in one with room service. They are great to meet new travelers, and often have free walking tours and low-cost local activities such as excursions and bar hopping.
Pros: Typically inexpensive. Great places to branch out and meet other travelers! Hostels will often have free walking tours and pub/bar crawls for visitors as well. They almost always have a well-stocked kitchen to cook meals and save money instead of eating out every night.
Cons: Hostel dorms can be crowded and loud, with travelers coming in/out at all hours. Private rooms are more expensive than dorms, and you will almost always share a bathroom with the rest of the floor. Services such as room service and maid service are almost nonexistent.
Hostels are my favorite way to travel! I usually find and book hostels through Hostelworld.
CouchSurfing
Couchsurfing is a way to find free, short-term accommodation in an area. Locals offer up spare bedrooms, couches, and even their floors to travelers passing through their area, with the understanding that those travelers will return the favor for others once they return home. It’s a great way to meet locals and score free accommodation but has a negative connotation connected with it. Couchsurfing can be completely safe! Safe and secure profiles will have photos, information on the host and the accommodation space, as well as positive reviews from verified Couchsurfing users.
Pros: FREE accommodation, and the chance to meet and become friends with a local. Friends met on the road become friends for life!
Cons: Couchsufing has its risks. You also have to apply for the space and contact the owner. Their home is not always going to be available for everyone, and you may be denied!
This choice isn’t for everyone, but can definitely help you stick to a shoe-string budget if needed! I have not used this resource yet, but here is a great article on how to couchsurf safely, and why it’s a great option for many travelers.
Airbnb
An Airbnb is an apartment, room, or house that is rented out to travelers. They are a great way to stay in local accommodation privately to experience more of the culture than you would at a hotel. However, Airbnbs are driving up the cost of locals’ housing costs in many cities, and travelers should be conscious of the legality and ethics of Airbnbs in certain areas.
Pros: Private room, apartment, or house with a kitchen in a local area. Sometimes (not always) less expensive than a nearby hotel.
Cons: Airbnb has driven up the cost of living for locals in some cities as people purchase houses and apartments solely for the purpose of renting them out to travelers. This is NOT legal and is negatively impacting many neighborhoods. Be sure to double-check the laws in the city, and find out more about your host. (Airbnb is legal for locals who live in the residence at least 50% of the year).
As long as they are legal in the area, Airbnbs can be a great way to privately experience local housing!
House Sitting
A house sitter is someone who is hired to watch someone else’s home and/or pets while they are away. In this case, travelers hire fellow travelers to stay in their homes to watch their pets and belongings. In return, they get free accommodation (often in VERY nice homes), private showers, and nice kitchens during their stay.
Pros: Free accommodation in a (typically) nice house or apartment. You get the experience of living like a local! If you’re an animal lover, getting to snuggle a furbaby during your stay can also be great!
Cons: Sites that set up sitters with homes have a fee to become a member. You may also get stuck caring for an animal you don’t get along with. With house sitting, the length of your stay is not up to you, but depends on how long the owner is away.
I have not tried professional house sitting as a means to travel, however, my fellow travel blogger Nic has been traveling full time while house-sitting for the last few years! Check out her article here for more information on house sitting.
Workaway
Workaway is an option for those traveling long-term to gain free accommodation and potentially some spending money. The website connects people who need help with their B&Bs, farms, or housework with travelers with skills that need a place to stay. Hosts often request that visitors can stay a minimum of 2 weeks with them, and will have them work a certain number of hours for their free accommodation.
Pros: Free accommodation, and the chance to live like a local. Sometimes, food and a small amount of cash will be provided as well. A great option for long-term travelers who will be in a country for an extended period of time.
Cons: You will be expected to work for the duration of your stay, and your stay will need to be for a couple of weeks or more. Workaway has an annual fee for applicants, and your application to work for a home will not always be accepted.
Each host is different and will offer different accommodation, work, and potentially free food or cash payment. It’s a great way to see a different side of the countries you will be visiting. However, be expected to put in some actual work for your stay!
There are so many different types of accommodation to choose from while traveling! I hope this list helps you choose the best option for your next trip!
Happy travels!
Search Travel Resources
Like this article? Pin it!
Great post! I’ve done almost all of them except hotel, couch surfing and workaway. I would prob do all except couch surfing =)
I have yet to do couch surfing or workaway, but I would definitely try both in different circumstances!
It’s great that this article points out that motels offer an inexpensive place to sleep when you are on a road trip. I’m planning on taking a 2-day road trip soon with my wife, so it sounds like staying in a motel at night would be a good idea. I’m going to search for a good motel on the road where we can stay.
Motels can be incredible! I mostly stay in motels when I’m on a road trip as well. Have fun!
It was mentioned that when you stay in a hotel, it is usually in the middle of the city and near all the events one would like to attend. My sister is wanting to plan a get away for her 30th birthday and would like to enjoy the city life while there. I will have to let her know that staying in a hotel may be the best choice for her.
Absolutely! You may want to mention that hotels that are closer to the center of the city are usually more expensive. It’s a balancing act of what you are willing to pay vs how far you’re willing to commute!
It’s awesome that you point out that motels offer an affordable place to sleep when you are on a road trip. My best friend and I would like to take a road trip next weekend, so I’m considering finding a motel where we can stop and sleep. I’m going to search for a good motel along our route that we can use.
Definitely! If all you need is a place to sleep for a night, motels are the best!
I like that you mention that hotels are usually reliable options that are practically the same no matter where you go in the world. With the New Year coming up, my sister wants to take her family fun where they can party in peace and enjoy the countdown. I’ll let her know about the benefits of hotels and these other accommodation options so she can find one that’s available where she plans to go for the New Years.
It’s true! A Marriot or Hilton in LA will be basically the same in Paris, Cairo, and Phuket. It’s a predictable option!
My sister has been thinking about getting some better accommodation for her vacation that she is planning in the summer. She would really like to get some help from a professional to make sure that she can have a more relaxing time. I liked what you said about how the face value includes meals, activities, and high-end services, and a luxury experience when staying in a resort.
It usually does, which can make them great deals if that’s the trip she’s wanting to go on. I would warn her to triple check what’s included in the face value though. Some places will show a cheaper face value but will nickel and dime you on everything!
It’s valuable that you point out that hotels offer a comfortable place for people to stay while traveling. My wife and I are thinking about taking a trip to the ocean this year, so staying at a hotel sounds like a great idea for us. I’m going to search for a reputable hotel in the area that we can use.
Great idea! Always check reviews on various sites before booking to make sure you’re staying at a good hotel!
Good article on accommodation options. You did great job. In my previous trip, I always Stayed in Airbnb. But it could be little bit expensive. I think If someone have budget issue house sitter is the best option.
I agree. Airbnb has become more expensive over the years, although, it is still the best option for staying in one place for more than a month if you’d prefer not to house sit. They often give great discounts for extended stays!