When it comes to resting your head at night while traveling, there are so many different options to consider. Below are the 10 most popular accommodation options ranked from most rugged (and often most affordable) to most luxurious (typically most expensive).
Camping
Camping is the cheapest and most basic form of accommodation available. While camping isn’t for everyone, there are instances where it may be your only option such as when exploring remote areas of the world.
You can technically go camping for free – ‘wild camping’ involves setting up a tent in the wilderness (as opposed to staying at a campsite). This is by far the most rugged accommodation option as you don’t have any of the campsite facilities to rely on. You’ll want to invest in some serious camping gear from a site such as EcoGear FX before going wild camping, plus you should research locations beforehand (make sure you camp somewhere safe and legal).
Staying at a campsite is the most popular option due to the amenities on offer. Most campsites only charge a couple of dollars for a pitch. More expensive campsites may have a greater range of facilities such as swimming pools, bars, and entertainment.
Glamping
Glamping is pretty much ‘glamorous camping’. The tent is already set up for you when you arrive, plus you get to sleep on an actual bed, taking out a lot of the stress of camping.
Some glamping yurts may have extra luxuries such as lighting and access to plug points. You’ll still need to use a separate bathroom block in many cases. Glamping typically costs over $150 per night, making it a bit of a price jump compared to traditional camping (which is usually under $25 per night).
Related to glamping are quirky accommodation options like treehouses, pods, and cabins.
Hostel
Hostels are like hotels, but you’re typically just paying for a bed. You often have to share a room with other people who may be complete strangers. Bathroom facilities may also be shared. There are few to no extra amenities in the room (no TV and definitely no minibar).
Hostels are often the cheapest accommodation option in towns and cities (prices typically range from $10 to $60 per night). They can be great for meeting other fellow travelers and most will have wi-fi, a lounge area, and food/drink facilities.
Caravan/camper van
Caravans and campervans are ideal for road trips. The majority come with a bed, seating, and basic kitchen facilities. More high-end RVs may come with a toilet, a shower, large refrigerators, and even a TV.
Caravans and campervans can be expensive to purchase. Even the cheapest caravans typically cost more than $10,000 to buy. Hiring or leasing can be a cheaper option. This guide at Cool Camping explains more about hiring a campervan.
The advantage of having an RV is that you can pretty much park up anywhere for free. Campsite and caravan parks can be worth using occasionally for access to electricity and bathroom facilities – fees typically cost as much as staying at a campsite.
Guesthouse
Guesthouses are cheap forms of lodging that are rented out. In many cases, they are part of someone’s private home – they could include anything from a bedroom to a converted barn.
You can find guesthouses in rural and urban locations. On top of getting a comfortable bed and access to bathroom facilities, you may be offered breakfast by the owner (this is typically the case with B&Bs). Some guesthouses can be more luxurious than others – there are options on AirBnB which may include nothing more than a room with a bed and others that come with private hot tubs and luxury bathroom facilities.
Motel
Motels are a basic form of hotel targeted at motorists. They are typically found along highways and are popular stops for those on a road trip.
The average motel costs between $45 and $100 per night. In cheaper motels, you may just get a bed and basic bathroom facilities. More high-end motels can be just like hotels with TVs and luxury bathroom facilities. Some motels come with restaurants and pools.
Self-catered rental
A self-catered rental allows you to rent out your own private apartment or house for the night. Unlike a guest house, the owner doesn’t live on the property. Such properties are great for when you want a private space that is just yours. There are facilities for cooking your own meals, although you’ll generally have to bring your own food. You’re usually expected to do some of your own cleaning before you leave.
Self-catered rental accommodation can vary a lot in quality and cost. It can include anything from a basic $30/night chalet with no HVAC to a $1000/night luxury villa with a swimming pool. Log cabins, cottages, chateaus, chartered yachts, and penthouses are just some of the properties that fit into this form of accommodation. AirBnB is one of most popular sites for finding self-catered rentals – typically aimed at those on a budget.
Hotel
Hotels are ideal for vacations and business trips. At the very minimum, you get a private room with a bed and bathroom. Things like towels, soap, and toilet paper are already provided.
Hotels can vary a lot in quality and price. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can still find hotel rooms for as low as $45 – these are typically located in rural areas and have no more than 2 stars, often containing a room with nothing more than a bed. However, most people who choose hotels are looking for a bit more luxury. The most luxurious tend to include hotel resorts, five-star city hotels, or unique hotels (such as this underwater hotel).
Catered rental
Catered rentals are similar to self-catered rentals except you have staff on-site cooking and cleaning for you.
Such accommodation is typically much more expensive – you’ve pretty much got your own personal team of servants. Shared catered rentals are a little cheaper – these operate a bit more like a b&b in that other rooms may be rented out by other guests, so you don’t get the whole property to yourself.
Cruise ship
Cruise ships are arguably the most luxurious form of accommodation. They’re essentially giant floating hotels. The big advantage of a cruise ship is that you get to see lots of destinations while only having to unpack your bags once.
Some cruise ships are a bit more basic than others and may only come with a very small cabin, however, even these ships have bars and restaurants onboard. The most elaborate cruise ships come with an array of bars and restaurants as well as facilities ranging from gyms to theaters.
Hopefully this gives you a sense of the types of accommodation available to you! What type of accommodation do. you prefer?
