Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)
B&Bs excel in offering the chance to experience a destination like a local, from a local. B&B owners often live on-site and pride themselves in offering on-point personal recommendations for their guests.
Pros
- B&B hosts specialize in knowing the local “hidden” gems and must-sees in a way that a large hotel can’t match.
- Properties are often historic, oozing with charm and offer an unmatched cozy experience.
- Some offer rental items, including bikes, kayaks and more, with an easy opportunity to mix and mingle.
Cons
- B&Bs are not chains, thus the quality of a stay is highly dependent upon the quality of a host. A surly owner counting the days until retirement can ruin a travel experience.
- B&Bs may lack the amenities and privacy a hotel might offer, particularly gym and wellness options, and you might have to share a hallway/community bathroom with other guests.
- Complaint resolution may be tricky, as B&B operators typically live on-site and any complaints could be seen as an ‘attack’ on their own home and way of life.
Digging into a hearty breakfast alongside your hosts who have endless local stories, and meeting strangers might be a networking mecca for some – but the typical socialization of a B&B stay could be an aversion for others.
The Sharing Economy
Travelers are increasingly turning to the sharing economy for their lodging needs. In addition to offering unique accommodations, many units are better suited for families, and an ideal option for budget travel. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO), and AirBNB are two popular booking platforms.
Pros
- Cost effective, particularly for large groups and families. Most units include kitchens and even washers and dryers.
- Some property hosts also offer a variety of local experiences and excursions.
- Often located in residential or unique neighborhoods, these properties offer a chance to see a side of the city, otherwise overlooked. You might even create memories of a lifetime with a truly spectacular, unique property.
Cons
- Of all the lodging options, by-owner rentals offer the least flexibility in check-in, and require coordination to gain access to the unit, versus an on-site staff.
- A lack of consistent lodging, amenity and cleaning standards could result in a disappointing stay.
- In large cities, parking may be a challenge – you might have rented an apartment, but did it come with a parking space?
- Having a single owner as a point of contact, versus a front desk or manager can present serious issues if you run into a problem. For example, an unruly neighbor, a flooded toilet, or a broken air conditioner could take hours to fix, or worse, is never resolved during your stay – versus the immediate response that on-site property staff could provide.
Perhaps the largest gamble of a by-owner rental, is discovering that a property is “not as advertised” for any number of reasons, requiring a last minute scramble to find suitable accommodations elsewhere. Map the location to top attractions, and clarify any amenities you might desire (central A/C, hair dryers, microwaves, etc.). Closely review booking details for any “extra fees” like a mandatory cleaning fee or strict non-refundable security deposits that can surge the bill.
Worldwide travel is more accessible than ever, sometimes initiated by the whims of military service, or from our own wild dreams and desires. No matter what corner of the globe you end up traveling to, there will always be a room that’s “just right” for you and your family.
