Traveling is great, and this statement doesn’t really need an explanation. Another thing everyone is sure to know is that traveling is expensive. Even if you choose the cheapest accommodation in the area, cook your own food and avoid any kind of entertainment you have to pay for, you are still very likely to spend more when traveling than when staying at home.
But the expenses are worth it, anyway. Speaking of expenses, apart from transportation, the largest part of your travel budget is usually taken up by accommodation. Now, the question is would you rather spend more to stay in a beautiful and ridiculously expensive 5 star hotel to have that super comfortable and luxurious all inclusive travel experience or opt for low-cost accommodation and spend the money you saved somewhere else? Both options obviously have their pros and cons, and we are going to look into them right now.
(See Also – Why travel insurance is a must)
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Cheap Accommodation
The first and probably the biggest advantage of hostels, motels and small family-run hotels is pretty obvious: they are cheap, especially in comparison to hotels. Hostels are also great if you are traveling in a group. Most of them have fully equipped kitchen areas, some serve breakfasts. Plus, you can meet a lot of interesting people who are traveling the world.
(Read – How to select best hotel to fit your need)
However, the price you’ll have to pay for all these pros is lack of privacy and risk of theft, as often you’ll be sharing the room with up to 20 strangers. The furnishing is very simple, you won’t get anything else other than a bed and a nightstand. There is usually only one bathroom in a hostel, which may be a threat to your privacy as well. So if you think that you won’t feel comfortable sleeping next to strangers, maybe you should spend extra to enjoy the comfort and luxury only hotels can offer.
The Pros and Cons of Pricey Accommodation
We’ll start with disadvantages, since there are so few of them. When staying at a hotel, you won’t meet any of those hardcore travelers who’ve traveled all around the globe and can tell you a thousand and one stories about their crazy adventures. Hotels can seem a little boring to some people. And, of course, the cost of a room at a good hotel with great location ranges from high to incredibly high.
But you’ll get the most impeccable service for your money. The rooms are always kept squeaky clean at the hotels, the staff is available 24 hours a day, you can come and go as you please, having your own key to the room. Your most treasured belongings don’t risk being damaged or stolen while locked in drawer safe, which you can find in many hotel rooms. The food is out of the question with excellent restaurants and in-room dining services. Other facilities that make hotels a luxurious place to stay are SPA salons, gyms, saunas and swimming pools.
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When it comes to making the final choice between cheaper and pricier accommodation options, you have to try and find the perfect balance of price and comfort that suits your preferences and your wallet. Whichever type of accommodation you end up choosing, make the most out of your stay.
I usually like to stay somewhere right in the middle. Somewhere that’s not too expensive, but a place where I don’t have to sleep in a trash bag to protect myself haha!
I don’t think anyone would go that extreme to sleep out in open. No matter how hard you want to save. One of the best way for me have been to bid for hotel rooms. We have no kids and we are young. We don’t mind staying far from downtown so, bidding helps us quiet a bit
I don’t mind staying somewhere extremely cheap because what truly matters is the city or country you are traveling in. I rather spend my money on other things that actually matter than the space I will only be sleeping in.
Point is when you’are travelling you need to see outer area and mix with local people, see things and experience the place. Agree you need a decent place to spend the night without worrying about anything uncomforting. Having a good hotel helps in a way. At the same time you need the hotel only for few nightly hours. I think a balance is needed mostly. I can go cheap but not extreme cheap hotels where there’ll be bed bugs, bunk beds or common bathrooms. But, it’s my choice.