Why Where I Stay is Becoming a More Important Part of My Travel Experience

Why the Choice of Accommodation Is Increasingly Important in My Travel Experience

The significance of where I choose to stay during my travels has grown substantially, becoming an increasingly important aspect of my overall travel experience. Whether it’s my frugal nature or a mindset that sees accommodation as a practical but unexciting part of trip planning, I’ve reached a point where I’m tired of penny-pinching hostels and generic chain hotels that lack character and charm.

But why do many of us treat our accommodation as an afterthought? Why can’t it be a treat or even a crucial part of our itinerary? Budget constraints often play a major role. Like many others, I have traveled on a limited disposable income, understanding the need to set bare-minimum standards and find the cheapest option that meets those criteria.

While luxury hotels may seem out of reach for most, there are ways to add excitement to our trips without breaking the bank on a room with a view. Choosing a destination with luxury accommodation options in mind can be a game-changer. For instance, Sicily offers more affordable alternatives to the expensive cities of Northern Italy, allowing us to enjoy lavish stays without compromising our budget. Similarly, cities in Asia like Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap, and Bangkok offer excellent value for money, while opting for destinations like Mexico City or Santa Ana in El Salvador can provide cost-effective alternatives to North America.

Yet, my desire for inspiring accommodation goes beyond spa treatments and fancy restaurants. I believe that where I stay should reflect the essence of the destination itself. There’s a certain romanticism in staying at traditional lodgings, such as an authentic ryokan in Japan or the charming Trulli houses in Puglia, Italy. Spending a night under the stars in a Berber-style desert camp or experiencing the quintessentially British countryside B&B also adds a unique touch to the travel experience.

Moreover, accommodation that embraces the natural beauty of the surroundings holds a special allure. Whether it’s staying in glamping pods to witness the Northern Lights in Scandinavia or immersing oneself in the volcanic landscapes and geothermal hot springs of Iceland, such accommodations capture the essence of the destination’s awe-inspiring features. Similarly, eco-lodges in Costa Rica offer an opportunity to sleep in treehouses and connect with the incredible biodiversity of the area.

All of these varied options showcase what makes each destination special, allowing us to connect with local communities and experience the local way of life. They transport us back to a time when travel was more adventurous and unfamiliar, and when unique accommodations were the norm rather than the exception.

In my pursuit of unique accommodations, I’ve discovered the thrill of spending a night on a sleeper train, where the idea of dozing off in one place and waking up in another adds a sense of adventure and efficiency to the journey.

In all honesty, my evolving travel philosophy has been shaped not only by binge-watching shows like The White Lotus but also by our own trips that prioritize immersing ourselves in the local culture. Beyond engaging in activities and culinary adventures, the choice of accommodation plays a vital role in creating an authentic travel experience. That’s why our team of Travel Experts puts great effort into securing culturally relevant or entirely unique accommodations for our itineraries, ensuring our guests have a truly memorable and immersive journey.

Whether it’s staying in limestone cave dwellings in Matera, Italy, or exploring the deserted beaches and ancient ruins of the Cyclades, our curated selection of accommodations enhances the cultural richness and authenticity of each destination.