Be it a tent, a hostel, a treehouse or four-star resort, there are now more than ever a variety of places to call home while you travel. Whether you’re new to travel or an old pro, the search for accommodations is always a pivotal part of trip planning. As we get more and more comfortable with the idea of the shared economy, services like AirBnb and HomeAway are flourishing.
And this is great news.
There are virtually unlimited options around the world for accommodations. Going to Big Sur for a week with seven of your close friends? There’s beach side cottage for that. How about a quick three-day business trip to London? There’s a flat for that too. If anything, a traveller’s biggest dilemma is having too many options.
Another side effect of this shift in the hospitality industry is the way traditional hotels are adapting. With the increased interest in bespoke, boutique experiences, larger branded chains are rethinking their approach. Many larger brands such as Hyatt are branching out and opening up boutique sectors or acquiring boutique hotel companies. Early in 2015 InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the world’s largest hotel brand, finalized its acquisition of Kimpton, a beloved chain of boutique hotels with a fiercely loyal following.
If you’re a twenty-something looking to backpack on a budget then Hostel World might be the place you start looking. Or if you’re wanting to turn a two week trip into a six month lifestyle then WorkAway is also another great option that pairs short term jobs with free accommodations.
Some say we live in a shrinking world because of technology but the way many see it, the world is just as big, simply with a few more ways to access it.
If you’re looking for inspiration take a look at AirBnB’s Top 40. We promise it will induce a few additions to your travel wish list.
