By Jane Canapini
Want to stretch your vacation budget? Find out which type of accommodation best suits your personality and explore online options that will save you big.
It’s a sad reality: Canadians don’t get much vacation time. In fact, according to a survey conducted by human resources consultants at Mercer, there are fewer holidays in Canada than in all other developed countries, averaging only 19 days a year.
As we have little time to travel, this explains why we cherish these days so much and try to make the most of each one. It’s also why many of us plan to travel in retirement and spend this new free time exploring the world.
However, it is not economical to travel unless you intend to tour Europe sleeping in hostels or private homes.
Fortunately, we can find accommodation at a reasonable price. There are many options available to you without sacrificing those small sources of comfort close to your heart – like having your bathroom.
The majority of us will spend a lot of time looking online for a place to stay, and for a good reason: depending on where you want to visit, accommodation can make up almost a third of your total vacation budget, not including tickets. The plane, according to the Pacific Asia Travel Association. Time spent searching is. Therefore, time is well invested.
If you’re responsible for shopping for your family, you’re used to compare the options available, evaluating their quality, and choosing the one that gives you the most bang for your buck. You need to do the same thing to find a place to sleep online. But first, you need to figure out which type of accommodation best suits your personality.
Who you are and the type of trip you want to take is reflected in the location and the kind of accommodation you choose. Do you like the nonstop service offered in a 4-star hotel, or do you prefer to act as a resident of the place and have an experience closer to the people? Do you need easy-to-reach help, or are you more independent? By determining your preferences, you will know where and how to find accommodation that matches your personality. By doing so, you will get the benefits you are looking for.
Here are 5 possible types of accommodation depending on your personality:
- For lovers of hotel rooms: Trivago or Kayak
If you like to know precisely what you can get for your money, these sites will save you money by comparing all the offers displayed for the same room. No need to shop around for the best price!
- For the risk seekers: Priceline
If you are a control freak, this site is not for you. Since it operates on the principle of a blind auction, you won’t know where you’ll be staying until you’ve paid. Make an offer by indicating the amount you wish to pay for a hotel located in a specific location and having the desired number of stars, then check if your price is accepted. If so, your booking will be confirmed immediately – often at 40% off the regular price. The downside (if you’re a control freak) is that if you don’t like the hotel you’ve booked, you can’t change your mind since you’ve already paid.
- For people who love people: bed and breakfasts (in Canada, GîtesCanada)
Bed and breakfasts offer good value for travellers who want a more personal experience. The room rate is lower because you don’t have to pay for all the amenities that larger hotels offer, including breakfast. Although you won’t have access to a concierge service, most hosts will be happy to tell you their favourite restaurants and what attractions they think the locals should see. Most towns have a website listing the B&Bs there; search for the B&B association in the city you want to visit to find plenty of options.
- For adventurers who want to travel the world and live like the locals: Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO)
If you like the idea of ​​living like a resident of the place, this site offers you private houses or apartments that are rented by their owner all over the world. Since you’ll be able to cook, you can save big on extended stays or family trips (if you don’t want to take all your reps).
