Choosing The Right Accommodation For You On Your Holiday
So, you’re planning a holiday, you know where you want to go, the flights are booked and your next task is to find yourself some accommodation. This is no easy feat and although some people are probably happy to settle for the first place they find, not everyone is so easy to please.
“Accommodation doesn’t matter, I’ll only be sleeping there.” That’s what a lot people seem to think when it comes to booking holiday accommodation. But that isn’t the case. Where you stay is really important because it can affect your whole holiday and influence what you do.
For example, if you want a relaxing, chilled-out break, a busy hotel with lots of children running around the swimming pool isn’t going to be the ideal choice. Or, if you don’t like driving when you’re abroad, a villa in the middle of nowhere won’t be suitable.
Holiday villa
So, here’s a rundown of different accommodation options and whether they’ll suit you.
Hotels
Pros – Cheap, easy to get to, well-equipped, help at hand whenever you need it, swimming pools, food, entertainment. The list of reasons why hotels are the perfect choice for a holiday goes on.
Cons – Hotels can be crowded, especially the most popular ones. This isn’t the choice for you if you want seclusion – unless you pay for the most upmarket options available.
Who they would suit – Couples who want to enjoy a holiday together but don’t have a fortune to spend on accommodation. People who don’t want to drive when abroad or cook when they’re on holiday. Families.
Holiday villas
Pros – Your own little slice of paradise! In a holiday villa you’re free to come and go as you please, eat when and what you want and, more often than not, they’ll be in a secluded and private residential area with other people who are also looking for a quiet, relaxing break.
Cons – You have to do everything yourself, including getting to the villa. Hire cars are usually a must. You might also find you spend more on eating out and buying your own food than you would if you stayed in a hotel that provides half or full board.
Who they would suit – Anyone who wants to make their own decisions regarding their holiday and wants some peace and quiet. Couples, families, groups – anyone really.
Self-catering apartments
Pros – Self-catering apartments are often grouped together in small, friendly communities around a communal pool. They offer more privacy than a hotel, but are much cheaper than renting an entire villa and you can get to know other holidaymakers.
Cons – You have to share a pool and prepare your own meals or eat out every night.
Who they would suit – Families who want a sense of community on holiday, but like some private space and are happy to cook some meals themselves.
Caravans/camping
Pros – It’s cheap and if you have your own caravan, you’ll only have to pay to rent a space. Plus, it gives you the option of visiting a few places on one trip.
Cons – You don’t get the luxury of staying somewhere with proper rooms and shower/toilet facilities. Plus, your cooking area properly won’t allow you to make anything particularly complicated. Can be a bit cramped too.
Who they would suit – Families with children who love the great outdoors. To young children in particular, camping or caravanning will seem like a great adventure.
This article has been contributed by Janine Willis, a freelance writer who often covers such travel related topics as where to find the best holiday park offers for your summer holiday this year.
