The many ways of traveling: which variant to choose
10.10.2019
day 20
In today’s era of technology, it’s easy to choose the kind of accommodation experiences we want during our travels, based on user reviews, rating, blogs, articles, and son on. It’s a luxury we didn’t have some years ago, but it’s also a dangerous thing. This could make us forget some other ways to travel, or limit us to what the industry wants us to experience, to maximise their profit. So I decided to list down all the types of modern travel accommodations I know, to remind me of them, and to maybe inspire you to try something different on the way. The best part is that you can, in the same travel, adapt your choices on the fly, to match the needs you have at the moment, and enjoy another face of travel. Buckle up, here we go!
Hostels
Classic choice for travelers on a budget, these are a good way to meet people while giving up on privacy and comfort. Usually, you’ll sleep in a mixed (or not) dorm, with shared bathrooms, and a common room to hang out, and an open kitchen where you can cook your own meals. Ambient can go from empty and boring to party-like, full of people and very welcoming. Beware, you’ll have to endure whoever is in there with you.
Upsides
Low cost
No need to book too much in advance
A good way to meet young travelers or social people
You can always find pasta or rice in the kitchen, for free. Perfect for travelers on a budget
Downsides
Can be very noisy at night. Bring earplugs
Can be very smelly, because of limited hygiene of roommates
Very limited intimacy
Experience can vary a LOT depending on who you are with
How a typical hostel common room can look like
Camping
Adventurers, the world is your home. Having a tent in your backpack may be on the heavy side of things, but you are the most flexible of all! You’re on your own, must tend to all your needs, and enjoy a freedom like few. Make sure to inform yourself on the legal side of wild camping in the countries you visit, to avoid a hard morning, woken up by local law enforcement forces.
Upsides
Free most of the time (Except when you need to book a campsite)
Close to nature
Ultimate flexibility and freedom
You can enjoy wilderness, wake up in amazing landscapes and hike bigger distances
You have peace and no annoying neighbors!
You always have an emergency option, as your home is on your back.
Downsides
You are exposed to the forces of nature. Weather can be harsh.
Wild creatures can find you. Inform yourself and pack your food away from your camp
You need equipment. Equipment costs more and weights more than other types of travel
When you are around town, your options are quite limited. But usually you’re happy to have a hot shower and enjoy a night in a hostel
You must anticipate, stack up on food and water, check weather. You are forced to be a bit more conscious of your environment and do research. Not the most carefree and laid-back type of travel
Hygiene will be limited. Pack wet wipes, a soap, and learn to enjoy wild showers.
Sweet, sweet loneliness
Couchsurfing
Through websites like https://couchsurfing.com, you can find free accommodation and be hosted by locals. If you are only interested in the free aspect, then CS is not for you. CouchSurfing is a community above all, of free and kind people, that open their home to you in exchange for some time spent together, sharing stories, skills or anything you have to offer. I you look to travel, meet people or locals more in depth, while not being in the middle of a hostel full of people, CourchSurfing is for you.
Be aware that the website also offers feature that allows you to find people for activities instead of accommodation, so you can share nice days with people having values close to yours.
Upsides
Free
Has a very rich and caring community. You’ll meet very good people, and leave with friends and memories
Lets you meet with people and connect on a more personal level
You can choose the people you ask o stay at based on their profile, and find people you’re willing to meet
Downsides
You’re never 100% sure that the host won’t change its mind last-minute. Always have a backup option
You’ll need to put some effort into watching profiles and writing actual demands instead of copy pasting a default message if you want to be accepted
It can take some time to find somewhere to stay, so this is not a very good option for a last minute need.
So many great people, like these lovely two, I’ve met through CouchSurfing!
Airbnb
https://airbnb.com If you want a moderately cheap accommodation, with calm, intimacy, independence and private bathrooms, Airbnb is the place to go. You’ll stay in a place owned by locals, sometimes in a whole flat, or just a room.
Upsides
website very efficient and up to date.
possibility to book with direct confirmation
no cash transfer, everything is handled online
You can filter and choose exactly the type of place you need. Perfect when you are in a group of 2 to 4, there are really good deals and flats to find.
Practical when you need a break or you travel with your family. All the infrastructures are provided
Downsides
Sometimes the real place is way less nice than shown on the pictures
Always beware when booking online, some people with bad intentions will try to take advantage of you. Never cancel a booking when a host asks you. It’s most likely a scam.
You won’t meet anybody through your accommodation
Hotels
Comfort, service, hygiene, calm, you’ll find everything you need here. But that means you will also need quite a budget.
Upsides
Has every luxury and comfort people you’re ready to pay for
Useful when you need a break or you travel with your family. All the infrastructures are provided
Downsides
Very superficial travel experience
You’re not likely to meet anybody traveling and willing to share some time
Expensive, even more when you book last-minute
Wwoofing
The World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farm is a way for travelers to volunteer at some exploitation, work for ~4 hours a day, in exchange for food and shelter. This means you can have half your days to enjoy the surroundings, the country, without spending any money. Everything is explained in details here: https://wwoof.net/
Upsides
Allows you to understand a new industry, a local exploitation, meet the locals
You can develop new skills
It’s free and you have some time for you
That gives you the opportunity to take a mental break from travel full-time without burning all your budget
Gives you the chance to be useful and meet other people with different mentalities
Downsides
You are less mobile
4 hours of your day are used, so fewer opportunities
Not very adapted for short-term travels
You have to be careful with the kind of visa you get, and in which country you are doing this
