Travel Tips: Air BnB or Fancy Resort?

So you're trying to plan a vacation and don't know if you should go with an Air BnB or splurge and go with a fancy resort. With many different types off accommodations now there's a lot to think about. Hostels, hotels, Air BnB's, VRBO's, resorts.. there's so much to choose from how do you know which to pick?

Well in this article I will be giving you the different experiences I've had in all of these different types of accommodations and which ones I recommend- of course depending on what type of vacation you are looking to have. There's many different aspects of traveling and vacationing. Do you just want to relax by the beach our do you want to go out and explore and meet locals? Are you keen on trying new food and experiencing new cultures or do you want to stick to what you know experience the finer things in life while away.

Dining Experience

If you are someone that is always wanting a top tier and fine dining experience with food, the best idea to stay at a resort- most specifically an all-inclusive. There can be anywhere from two to an unlimited amount of restaurants located on the main stretch of the resort. Some resorts are close enough to each other and owned by the same company and let you dine at the restaurants on their resort as well. Unless pool side, these restaurant are almost always fine dining. They want only the best for their customers.

Not everyone is looking for the a top notch fine dining experience- if you're like me, you want to adventure out and try the cuisine of the locals. The greatest tasting food might not always be the well known restaurants. Sometimes it's the hole-in-the-wall joints that don't broadcast. This is especially true when visiting the Caribbean islands, you'll find hidden gems like this around every corner. So staying in an Air BnB or hostel will be your best choice if this is more your style.

Solo Traveler, Couple or Group

As an avid solo traveler, I've learned that all-inclusive's aren't really made for solo travelers. Most of them charge rates for two people per room. Plus couples tend to gravitate to them for honeymoons, anniversaries, and other type of celebrations. While there are some resorts that give you the options to have single occupancy, most people that travel to all-inclusive resorts aren't looking to make friends either. Solo travellers best bet are hostels, Air BnBs and VRBOs.

Now if you're trying to save money, all-inclusive can cost a pretty penny to stay at. Hostels are going to give you the most bang for your buck but the privacy isn't as much if you'd get other accommodations. If you're taking a group vacation or family vacation, VRBOs and Air BnBs could be a wonderful choice to split between everyone in your group. This also applies to couples that aren't keen on spending thousands of dollars for a one week vacation.

Relaxation

Sometimes when working so hard all you want to do on vacation is just relax. Kick back, maybe have a drink or just take a nap on the beach. Almost every options of accommodation gives a sense of relaxation. The only outlier would be an hostel because you might be sharing rooms, bathrooms. living space with others.

All-inclusive gives you top tier service bringing you drinks to where you're sitting. When I traveled to Antigua (pic from my balcony above), I rented an Air BnB and would wake up in the morning, make some coffee, read my book and watch the sunrise- my definition of relaxation.

Venture out, Explore, Try Something New

If you're the adventurous type that likes to go our explore, meet new people, try new things, experience new foods- then everything except an all-inclusive would be your best bet. With all-inclusives they provide the dining options, entertainment and activities. Staying in accommodations that don't restrict your choices mean that you can go out into town, meet the locals and they can open your mind and introduce you to the local culture and foods.

Try that weird food you don't think you'd like, get that weird drink from the stand on the side of the road, hike that waterfall that makes you nervous, talk to locals, book a tour, find secret spots to explore.

Recap

Overall, if you want a vacation that provides everything for you- service, food, activities, entertainment, relaxation and have no plans to explore than an all-inclusive seems like the best option for you. It can tend to get a bit pricey depending on where you go.

If you're looking for something that gives you the option to explore and try something new while also getting a nice relaxation then an Air Bob or a VRBO would be the best option. Obviously doesn't include everything but you wouldn't be breaking the bank as well.

A host gives you a little less privacy and possibly a little less relaxation but the ability to explore and experience new things while saving a pretty penny.

No matter what kind of experience you're looking for while you're on vacation, you'll be able to find it! Hope this article helps make your decision easier!