All-inclusive resorts are simple. You pay once, arrive, and most of your trip is covered. Accommodation, meals, drinks, activities and entertainment are included. Then you can focus on enjoying your stay instead of planning every detail. Sounds good to me which is why I chose an all-inclusive resort holiday when I visited Cancun, Mexico. 

So …. are all-inclusive resorts worth it? It depends, so in this post I am going to break down what’s really included and why you should consider them.

For many travellers, like me, convenience is the biggest advantage. You know the bulk of your vacation cost before you even leave home, which makes budgeting much easier.

At the same time, all-inclusive resorts are not the right fit for every type of trip. Some travellers enjoy the structure and simplicity, while others prefer the flexibility of exploring local restaurants and planning each day independently.

Questions about food quality, overall value and whether the experience feels too contained are common.

The truth is that all-inclusive resorts work well for some trips and less well for others. So before you book your all-inclusive holiday, it helps to understand what they actually include, where you typically find them, and what kind of travel style they suit best. Then you can make the best choice for your holiday.

Already know you want to stay in an all-inclusive resort? Check out Booking.com for the best deal for you.

What Is an All-Inclusive Resort?

An all-inclusive resort is a type of hotel or resort where most of the main costs of your stay are included in a single booking price. Your rate typically covers accommodation, meals, drinks and a range of activities offered by the resort.

Instead of paying separately for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails by the pool, or organised activities, those things are already part of the package. Once you check in, you can enjoy the facilities without needing to keep track of individual expenses throughout the day. That’s because you have already paid for them.

This setup is especially common in beach destinations where travellers want a relaxed, low-planning holiday. Resorts are usually designed so that everything guests need is located within the property. Restaurants, bars, pools, beaches, and activity areas are typically within walking distance of each other.

That said, staying at an all-inclusive resort doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire trip on the property. Many travellers still explore nearby towns, book excursions and visit local attractions.

What Is Included at an All-Inclusive Resort?

While every resort is slightly different, most all-inclusive packages follow a similar structure. The goal is to cover the main parts of your trip so you can relax without constantly thinking about extra costs.

Here’s what is typically included.

Accommodation

Your room or suite is part of the package. This usually includes daily housekeeping and full access to the resort’s facilities such as pools, gyms, beaches, and shared spaces like dining rooms.

Room types vary depending on the resort. Some properties offer standard hotel-style rooms, while others have larger suites with balconies, terraces, or ocean views. Higher-tier rooms may also come with extra perks like better locations within the resort or private outdoor areas.

Meals and Snacks

Food is one of the biggest advantages of an all-inclusive stay. Most resorts include breakfast, lunch, and dinner at several on-site restaurants.

These often include buffet restaurants, casual beachside grills, cafes, and sometimes a la carte dining for more formal meals. Many resorts also serve snacks throughout the day, such as poolside bites, afternoon pastries, or late-night food options.

The variety and quality of food depend on the resort, but many try to offer a mix of cuisines so guests have different options throughout their stay.

I found the food at my all-inclusive resort to be excellent. The breakfast menu in particular was plentiful. It was buffet style with plenty of fresh fruit, pastries and hot food. And the coffee – the coffee was just excellent.

Drinks

Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are typically part of the package. This usually includes cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, juices, and coffee served at bars and restaurants throughout the day. I do remember paying for a drink package when I booked and paid so I didn’t have to worry about buying drinks and worrying about exchange rates.

Some resorts include only house wines and standard spirits in the base package. Premium liquor brands or specialty cocktails may be part of upgraded packages, depending on the property.

lunch on the slopes

Activities and Entertainment

To keep guests busy without leaving the property, most resorts organise daily activities and evening entertainment.

Common activities include fitness classes, yoga sessions, beach volleyball, and group games. Some resorts also offer cooking demonstrations or cultural activities that introduce guests to local traditions.

In the evenings, many resorts host live music, performances, or casual shows so guests have something to enjoy after dinner. Family-focused resorts often include kids’ clubs and organised activities for children and teenagers, which can make travelling with younger guests much easier.

Non-Motorised Water Sports

At beach resorts, non-motorised water activities are often part of the package. Guests can usually borrow equipment such as kayaks, paddle boards, or snorkelling gear without paying extra. This allows visitors to explore the water directly from the resort without needing to book a separate tour.

More specialised or motorised activities, such as jet skiing, scuba diving, or fishing charters, are usually offered but require an additional fee.

What Usually Costs Extra

Even at an all-inclusive resort, a few services are normally not included in the base price.

Spa treatments, massages, and wellness services almost always cost extra. Premium alcohol, private dining experiences, and special events may also have additional charges.

Excursions outside the resort, such as guided tours, cultural trips, or adventure activities, are usually booked separately as well. I booked a number of tours to explore outside of the resort at the ‘tour desk’ within the resort. After all, I didn’t go to the resort to spend even hour of the day there! I wanted to explore my surrounds in Cancun so went to the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza.

Airport transfers may or may not be included depending on the resort, so make sure to check the details before booking. Understanding what is and isn’t included helps avoid surprises and makes it easier to plan your overall travel budget. And helps you for whether you need to keep cash to pay for small incidentals.

Pros and Cons of Staying at an All-inclusive Resort

There are pros and cons of staying in an all-inclusive resort. In a nutshell, here they are so then you can decide if they are right for you.

Pros of All-inclusive Resorts

• Everything is paid for upfront, one price upfront covering accommodation, food, drinks, entertainment and some activities.
• You don’t need to leave the resort (unless you want to).
• Great for families and those on a tight budget.

Cons of All-inclusive Resorts

• Things may not be as you expected, particularly the quality of food.
• Resort could be crowded.
• Limited cultural immersion into local live as guests stay inside the resort.

Where Do You Find All-Inclusive Resorts?

All-inclusive resorts are most common in warm-weather destinations where beach holidays are popular. Several regions around the world are particularly well known for them.

The Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most established regions for all-inclusive resorts. Islands such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas have built much of their tourism around this model.

Many resorts here are designed so guests can spend most of their trip on property. Beaches, restaurants, bars, pools, and activities are all located within the resort grounds. For travellers who want an easy, low-planning holiday where they can relax, the Caribbean is often the first place people look.

Mexico

Mexico is another major hub for all-inclusive resorts and offers a wide range of options. Popular areas like Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos are home to hundreds of resorts, ranging from large family-friendly properties to smaller luxury adults-only retreats.

Mexico’s popularity comes from a combination of things. Beautiful coastlines, well-developed tourism infrastructure and convenient flight connections, especially for travellers coming from North America.

Central America

All-inclusive resorts are also found in parts of Central America, although they often feel smaller and more connected to the surrounding landscape.

Countries like Belize and Costa Rica tend to attract travellers who want a balance of relaxation and exploration. Resorts in these areas often combine beach access with opportunities to experience nature, such as jungle hikes, wildlife tours, river excursions or snorkelling trips.

The Maldives

In the Maldives, the all-inclusive concept works particularly well because many resorts occupy their own private island. Guests typically stay on that island for the duration of their trip. So bundling meals, drinks and activities together makes the experience simpler.

Many luxury resorts in the Maldives offer upgraded all-inclusive packages. They include excursions, premium dining experiences and sometimes spa treatments.

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is not traditionally known for classic all-inclusive resorts, but the concept has been growing in recent years. Destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and Bali now have resorts offering packages that include meals, drinks and activities. Many of the resorts are luxurious and are even attractive to the very budget-friendly travellers.

In many cases, these packages are more flexible than the Caribbean-style model. Travellers often combine resort stays with time exploring nearby towns, markets, and cultural sites, rather than spending the entire trip within the resort.

Cruises

I have added cruise ships to my list of where to find all-inclusive resorts because even though they aren’t a resort, they sort of are, but floating ones. When you go on a cruise your accommodation, food and entertainment is included. Drinks are usually extra and come in their own package. The only thin you may need to pay for on a cruise is buying souvenirs on the ship and port excursions. You might even consider working aboard a cruise liner.

Ski Resorts

You don’t only find all-inclusive resorts in beach destinations. There are plenty of ski resorts offering all-inclusive packages. Depending on the ski village and the services available, much of the accommodation in the snow available will offer self-catering or meals included. Then you only need to pay for ski lessons and your ski pass. And possibly just pay for drinks when you go out to indulge in apres ski! If you love the ‘snow lifestyle’ then consider working a season or two in a ski resort. There are resorts all around the world: Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and the USA.

Are All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It?

All-inclusive resorts can be a good option if you want a simple, low-planning holiday. Having meals, drinks, and activities included makes it easier to relax without constantly thinking about where to eat or how much things cost. For travellers who plan to spend most of their time at the resort, the convenience can make the overall price worthwhile.

However, they are not ideal for every type of trip. If you enjoy exploring local restaurants, visiting different towns, or spending most of your time off property, you may not use everything that’s included. In those cases, booking accommodation separately and planning your own meals and activities might give you more flexibility.

Ultimately, it comes down to your travel style. If you like simplicity and having everything handled, an all-inclusive can work well. If you prefer exploring local restaurants and planning each day yourself, booking separately might feel more rewarding.

House and pet sitting can sound almost too good to be true at first. Staying in someone’s home, caring for their pets, and experiencing a place like a local, all without paying for accommodation, might feel unbelievable. Yet for thousands of people around the world, it’s a completely normal and rewarding way to travel and live.

If you’re curious about house and pet sitting, it’s worth knowing that it opens the door to slower, more comfortable travel. You can enjoy meaningful routines, connect with animals and communities, and explore places in a way that hotels or short-term rentals rarely allow. Here’s why people try it and keep coming back.

Already know you want to be a house and pet sitter? 

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What is a House and Pet Sitter?

If you haven’t heard of house and pet sitting let me quickly explain. A house and pet sitter is someone who looks after someone else’s home while they are away. In return for looking after the house, any pets, watering plants and putting the rubbish bins out, you get to stay for free in the home. Sounds good doesn’t it!

Reasons to Become a House and Pet Sitter

1. Save Money on Accommodation Costs

The first, and I think the biggest reason to house and pet sit is saving money on accommodation costs. Accommodation is often the biggest travel expense, especially if you’re moving around a lot or staying in expensive cities. House and pet sitting removes that cost.

Instead of paying for hotels, Airbnbs, or short-term rentals, you exchange your time and care for a place to stay for free. No nightly rates, no cleaning fees, no surprise charges. Over time, those savings can add up to thousands, which makes a big difference if you want to travel longer, more frequently, or on a tighter budget.

For long-term travellers or digital nomads, this financial breathing room lets you focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about costs. Even a single sit can feel like a welcome break from accommodation expenses.

2. Get to Stay in Unique Places

House and pet sitting is not limited to standard homes in busy tourist areas. Many sits are in places you might never think to book when going on a ‘regular holiday’. You could find yourself house sitting in a countryside cottage, beachside home, mountain cabin, small town or quiet residential neighbourhood away from the crowds.

You might wake up to ocean views, have your morning coffee in a garden, or spend evenings watching the sunset from a balcony instead of sitting in a hotel room. These homes often have character and charm that short-term rentals lack, helping you feel settled instead of just passing through.

And because you’re living where locals live, you get a far more authentic feel for the place than you would as a short-term visitor. This leads me to another reason for house and pet sitting – living like a local.

3. Live Like a Local

Hotels keep you slightly removed from everyday life unless you make your hotel room more homely. House sitting puts you directly into someone’s routine, allowing you to experience a place as locals do. You shop at local markets, walk familiar streets, and get to know the neighbourhood rather than just visiting attractions.

Over time, you notice the small details. Where locals grab their coffee, which park fills up in the evenings, and how life feels once the tourist crowds thin out. This slower, more immersive style of travel often leads to deeper connections and more memorable experiences.

House and pet sitting is less about ticking off sights and more about actually living somewhere, even if only for a short time.

4.Flexibility and Freedom to Travel

House and pet sitting gives you a level of flexibility that traditional travel doesn’t always offer. You can take short sits for a quick getaway or longer sits that let you settle in, establish routines, and slow down.

If you are wanting to spend a few months in one country without constantly worrying about accommodation, or prefer exploring slowly instead of rushing through tourist spots, house sitting makes this possible.

Some people plan their travel entirely around confirmed sits. Moving from one home to the next, while others use them to extend trips or break up hotel stays. Either way, it gives you more control over your travel pace and allows you to live in a way that suits you.

5. Spend Time With Animals

One of my favourite reasons to house and pet sit is the animals I get to look after. If you are an animal lover like me, this is one of the most rewarding parts of house and pet sitting. It gives you the chance to enjoy the companionship of pets without the long-term commitment of owning one. 

Each sit brings different animals and routines, from dogs and cats to birds, rabbits, chickens, and sometimes even farm animals. Caring for them adds structure to your days through walks, feeding times, and simple moments of company, which can be especially grounding while travelling.

For those who miss their pets at home, having animals around can bring comfort and consistency, making a new place feel more like home.

6. Enjoy Comfort and Routine While Travelling

Travel can be exhausting. Packing and unpacking, sleeping in new beds, making decisions of where to go next and constantly adjusting to unfamiliar spaces takes energy. Energy which can be zapped. House sitting provides stability without giving up the ability to explore. 

For those feeling travel burnout you have a proper kitchen, a comfortable bed, space to relax, and the chance to build a simple daily routine. This is especially important for remote workers, creatives, or anyone who needs a calm, reliable environment to focus and to set up their tech gear so they can work remotely.

Having a temporary home base helps travel feel more sustainable and balanced rather than rushed or draining. 

Speaking of sustainability …….

7. Travel More Sustainably

House and pet sitting can also be a more sustainable way to travel. You are staying in existing homes instead of constantly using short-term rentals. This means day-to-day life often involves walking more, driving less, and living at a slower pace.

Longer stays reduce your travel footprint and allow you to connect with your surroundings more intentionally. It’s a quieter, more mindful way to see the world.

8. Build Trust and Meaningful Connections for More Jobs

House and pet sitting is built on trust. Homeowners rely on you to care for their home and pets, and taking that responsibility seriously often leads to genuine connections.

Many sitters stay in touch with homeowners after a sit ends. Some are invited back year after year, while others receive personal recommendations that make it easier to secure future sits. These relationships tend to grow naturally through clear communication and mutual respect.

House and pet sitting is a reminder that travel does not always have to be transactional. In many cases, it is built on real human connection.

9. Gain New Skills and Confidence

Every sit comes with something new to learn. You gain experience caring for animals, managing a household, and handling responsibilities in unfamiliar settings.

Navigating new places, communicating clearly with homeowners, and adapting to different routines builds confidence quickly. Over time, you become more adaptable, self-reliant, and comfortable handling the unexpected. These are the skills that are valuable far beyond travel. And house and pet sitting in your home away from home will help you  survive those first few weeks.

10. It’s Not Just for Full-Time Travellers

You don’t need to be a full-time traveller, digital nomad, working holiday maker or any other type of traveller to undertake house and pet sitting. You don’t need to quit your job or drastically change your life to try house and pet sitting either. Many people do it part-time, during holidays, weekends on short breaks or whenever they feel the need to getaway. It’s also a great way to test a city you’re thinking of moving to all while enjoying a low-cost getaway, or a change of pace. 

Are You Ready to Become a House and Pet Sitter?

House and pet sitting has many advantages. Even a single sit gives you the benefit of saving on accommodation, spending time with animals, and experiencing life like a local. All good reasons to become a house and pet sitter.

Checking into a hotel should feel like the start of a break, but it often comes with a strange pause. You set your bag down, look around, and everything feels fine, yet nothing feels familiar. The room is clean, quiet, and carefully arranged, but it doesn’t invite you to relax. You’re aware that you’re just passing through. So how do you make your hotel room feel more homely? That’s if you want it to feel homely!

That feeling of not being at home matters more than people admit. When a space feels cold or temporary, it’s harder to unwind, sleep well, or feel settled, especially if you’re travelling often or staying longer than a night. Comfort isn’t about luxury. It’s about feeling at ease in the place you’re sleeping, changing clothes, and starting and ending your day.

The good news is you don’t need much to change that. A few thoughtful choices can shift the mood of a hotel room quickly, making it feel calmer, warmer, and more like your own space. This guide focuses on practical, realistic ways to do exactly that. From small personal touches to simple adjustments that help you relax and feel at home, even when you’re far from it.

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17 Ways to Help Make Your Hotel Room Feel More Homely

Compared to staying in a hostel bed where you have limited space to make your own, hotels are a different matter. Some personal ways I make my hotel room more homely include:

1. Add Personal and Cozy Touches

Hotel rooms are meant to work for everyone, which is why they often feel a little blank. The fastest way to change that is to add a few things that already feel familiar to you. You don’t need much. A couple of small touches can shift the room from “just a place to sleep” to somewhere you actually want to relax.

So when you are packing the best travel gear for your travels, throw in one or two of your favourite things. Though keep them small as you don’t want to be over any travel baggage limits.

2. Bring a familiar scent

Smell has a strong connection to comfort. A small candle, even if you never light it, a travel diffuser, or a room spray you already use at home can make the space feel calmer almost instantly. I’ve found that one familiar scent does more for a room than any decoration ever could.

3. Soften the lighting

Most hotel lighting is bright and unforgiving. If you can, bring a small portable lamp or warm-toned night light. Even moving a lamp lower, like onto a chair or bedside table, changes the mood of the room. Warmer light makes everything feel quieter and more relaxed, especially at night.

4. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere

Once you’ve added a few personal touches, the next step is making the room work for you. Hotel rooms often feel stiff because everything is set up for convenience, not comfort. A few small adjustments can make the space feel more relaxed and easier to settle into.

5. Let the room look lived in

You don’t need to rearrange furniture or unpack everything. Just claim the space in small ways. Clear the desk so it’s actually usable and lay out your digital nomad gear so you can work online. Put your bag where you can reach it without thinking. Lay the book you are reading on the bedside table. Hang your jacket on the chair and keep your water bottle nearby. When the room reflects how you move through it, it stops feeling like a temporary stop and starts feeling familiar.

6. Pack one comfort item you use every day

This could be your pillowcase, a soft scarf, or even a mug you like using in the morning. Using something you already reach for at home makes the room feel less temporary. A pillowcase in particular is a game changer. It smells like you, feels right, and makes the bed feel familiar on the first night.

I like to travel with a dressing gown and my favourite slippers! When your body recognises the signals for rest, which mine does when I have my slippers on, falling asleep becomes much easier.

my current favourite slippers I take to make me feel more comfortable in a hotel room

7. Play the sounds you love

A completely silent hotel room can feel oddly uncomfortable. Playing music you already love, a familiar podcast, or even soft background noise like rain can make the space feel warmer. It gives your brain something familiar to hold onto and makes settling in feel natural instead of awkward.

8. Set the temperature to suit you

Most rooms have heating or air-conditioning, but it’s easy to ignore it and adapt instead. I do prefer to have fresh air and like a window that opens in my hotel room, but if not, I take a moment to adjust air-conditioning properly. 

If the air is too cold or too dry, it affects how relaxed you feel without you even noticing. When the temperature is right, your body settles faster and everything feels easier.

9. Maintain Your Routines

A big reason hotel rooms feel off is because your usual rhythm disappears the moment you arrive. When your routines fall apart, even a comfortable room can feel unsettled. Keeping a few familiar habits goes a long way in making the space feel normal again. Now would be the time to get out your yoga mat and practice yoga for the benefits it offers.

10. Unpack even a little

You don’t need to turn the room upside down. Simply hanging the clothes you’ll wear next, laying out your toiletries, or choosing one spot to charge your phone helps you relax. When your things have a place, your mind follows. The room stops feeling temporary and starts feeling like somewhere you belong, even briefly.

11. Stick to your familiar rhythm

Think about what you normally do to wind down or start your day. Maybe it’s tea before bed, stretching in the morning, writing a few lines in a journal, or watching the same show as you fall asleep. Bringing these habits with you creates a sense of continuity. You don’t need to recreate your home perfectly. Just holding onto one or two routines can make a big difference.

12. Use the room intentionally

Instead of just passing through the space, give yourself a moment to be in it. Sit on the chair, lie on the bed without distractions, make a drink, or scroll through your phone for a bit. The more you use the room as a place to rest, not just sleep, the faster it starts to feel comfortable.

13. Enhance Your Comfort

Feeling at home really comes down to how comfortable you are in your body. When you’re physically at ease, everything else settles more easily too. A few small choices can make a hotel room feel far less temporary. That’s why I have a check list of things I like when I book a hotel room. Such as free parking, free wifi, a microwave and my own bathroom. Such things make me feel at home.

14. Bring your own snacks or drinks

Hotel minibars are expensive and rarely stocked with anything you actually want. Packing a few snacks you genuinely enjoy, some fruit, or your usual coffee or tea makes a quiet difference. Having something familiar to reach for in the evening or first thing in the morning helps the room feel less unfamiliar and more like your own space.

15. Recreate your bedtime routine

Sleep is often where hotel rooms feel the most foreign. The bed feels different, the pillows aren’t quite right, and the lighting can be too bright or oddly placed. Try to keep your usual wind-down routine intact. Wear the pyjamas you always sleep in, play the same calming sounds or music you use at home, or bring a small sleep spray if that’s part of your routine. 

16. Keep things tidy

It sounds small, but keeping your space neat makes it feel more homely. Mess can make a temporary room feel chaotic; a tidy one feels intentional. Even just folding clothes or clearing the table at the end of the day helps you relax in the space.

17. Use extra blankets or pillows

If you sleep better with an extra pillow or prefer a heavier blanket, don’t hesitate to ask the front desk. Most hotels are happy to help, and comfort looks different for everyone. You’re not being demanding, you’re simply making the space work for you.

Are You Ready to Make Your Hotel Room More Homely?

In my lifetime of travel I have stayed in a huge variety of accommodation. And I adapt the different accommodation available to the type of travel I am doing. Now when I am moving around finding places to stay in each new destination as a digital nomad I compare different aspects of accommodation to suit my needs. This can be exhausting.  If you are wondering which is the best digital nomad accommodation for you, let’s compare some of my favourite options for digital nomad stays and why I choose them.

What is Digital Nomad Accommodation

Though co-living and co-working spaces are being developed for digital nomads, in general, there has never been specific accommodation designed for digital nomads. This is why it can be exhausting finding a place to live as you travel and work around the world as a digital nomad. But it doesn’t have to be. As long as you know what is out there and what aspects of certain accommodation you require, the choices can be relatively easy.

Factors to Consider when choosing Digital Nomad Accommodation

When I am heading to a new place and needing accommodation so I can live and work, I do a bit of research and pre-planning. Sometimes if I arrive in a place on a whim a hotel or hostel is fine to stay in for a couple of nights. However, as being a digital nomad means staying in one place for a while, and needing to work, there are some things I consider before choosing my long-term accommodation.

1. Location

Location of my digital nomad accommodation is a high priority to. I always consider the proximity to transportation, amenities, is it a safe location (or looks to be safe) and how far to the beach. Well, the beach I don’t always need, but having grown up at a beach, I do like visiting them often. I also like to be near supermarkets, restaurants and pubs as I probably won’t have a car and will be reliant on public transport or walking. What are your priorities with location? Is living in a big city your priority or living by the sea or in a jungle? So choose the location that suits you.

2. Natural Light & Privacy

I like having natural light in my digital nomad accommodation. I have stayed in way too many dark and dingy places so having a large window, preferably with a view, that allows in natural light during the day helps me to acclimatise and work better. I find better natural light the higher in a property I am. So I wouldn’t stay in a ground floor flat because even though it might have good light, it might not have the privacy I want. I don’t want people walking past my window and seeing me sitting at my desk. I’m opening myself up to potentially being robbed by passers by seeing my tech equipment!

3. Accommodation Amenities

Once I have decided on the location of my digital nomad property, I look at what amenities it offers. I like to feel ‘at home’ in my accommodation so having a separate bedroom, a kitchen, bathroom and even a laundry is an ideal set up for me. I like to have these areas, particularly if I am staying long-term which can be anything from one month onwards. I enjoy cooking and making nutritious meals for myself so my kitchen needs a pantry, a fridge and cooking equipment. Cooking my own meals also saves me money but not having to eat out all the time. It is also nice to have a TV so I can catch up on news on what is happening locally and internationally.

4. Workspace

When setting yourself up in a new place for a long-term stay, a dedicated workspace is a high priority. This is one of my requirements so I can work comfortably. I will check photos of the property to see whether there is a desk or a table available so I can work. Even though I travel with a laptop stand, I do prefer to set up at a desk – I just seem to work better and quicker. And thus I can enjoy my local surroundings more.

5. Internet Speed

My second priority in choosing accommodation for my digital nomad life is fast WiFi. Yep, fast and reliable internet speed is essential for me to complete my remote work. I always choose accommodation that offers high-speed internet. I still travel with a VPN and an eSIM just in case so I have options in case the internet speed lets me down.

6. Cost

Cost of my digital nomad accommodation is important. One of the reasons I am a digital nomad is because the cost of living in other countries is much lower than my own, thus the cost of my accommodation important because I need to budget. My budget is quite more generous nowadays than when I first started out, so if you are starting out, you will need to find accommodation within your budget.

7. Community

Being a digital nomad can be a lonely business, particularly if you are a solo digital nomad. Occasionally, to help with the feelings of isolation and loneliness I seek out others in the digital community. I usually do this by finding co-working spaces to work in. However, sitting in a coffee shop surrounded by people can also help me interact with people again.

The Best Digital Nomad Accommodation

Now you know things to think about that you want from your accommodation, then you can check out the types of accommodation available so you can find accommodation that should be suitable for your digital nomad needs. Here are some of the most popular digital nomad and remote worker housing options to consider.

1. Hostels

I’m starting off with hostels. Hostels have long been the choice of backpackers and budget travellers for the cheap accommodation option they are. But they are also becoming attractive to digital nomads. Hostels have realised the importance of the digital nomad market and are adapting their hostels to offer appropriate accommodation. Many hostels have introduced single rooms with or without private bathroom facilities and co-working spaces. So now you can book a desk in a co-working space offering fast wifi so you can work. And then you can go back to your room. One thing I like about staying in hostels is you will meet other travellers, some of them doing exactly what you are doing. Yep, living a digital nomad life. Check out HostelWorld to find your next digital nomad hostel stay.

2. Hotels & Motels

Hotels and motels can be a great option for digital nomad accommodation. As long as they offer all the things you require to live and work, then why not add these to the mix. I have found on many occasions hotels and motels offering a private bathroom and a kitchenette and there is usually daily cleaning. Sometimes on the expensive side hotels and motels don’t always offer long-term rentals. So you may find yourself hotel and motel hopping every couple of weeks. I find hotels and motels via Booking.com.

3. Serviced Apartment

Most cities and towns have serviced apartments. They have always been attractive to business people who needed a base while working. Mostly located in buildings offering other serviced apartments they provide a home away from home with someone who comes in weekly or every couple of days to clean and tidy the apartment. Hence the name serviced! I have found some great serviced apartments through Booking.com. 

4. Long-term Rental Apartments & Airbnb

If you are wanting to spend a few months or longer in the one place, you can look to rent an apartment or Airbnb. These are one of the most popular options for digital nomads and families because of the home-like amenities which allow long-term rentals. Mostly, you will have the whole apartment or house to yourself. Perfect for digital nomads and remote workers who want to spend a few months or longer in the one place. Check out Booking.com and also VRBO. 

5. Digital Nomad Co-living Spaces

For very good reason, co-living spaces are becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads. These communal living spaces have been designed to offer a shared workspace in a co-living environment that offers a sense of community. This is because you usually only find other digital nomads here. These are particularly great to help alleviate the isolation and loneliness you can experience on the road because the co-living spaces promote social interaction and opportunities for networking. 

6. Living in a Van or Car

Van life is a popular digital nomad accommodation. You not only have your accommodation but your transport also which provides you with the ultimate freedom to travel and work from anywhere. The biggest cost is your initial cost of purchasing or renting a van. Then having the accessories like bedding, cooking utensils and bathroom facilities sorted. Some are choosing to car camping providing them the opportunity to live and work in their car. Plus you need to look into the logistics of working on the road by having good Wifi access to complete your work. 

7. House Sitting and Pet Sitting

House sitting and pet sitting is a great option for digital nomads. As the names suggest you house or pet sit in return for free accommodation. Caring for someone’s home and pets while they are away provides comfortable and cost-effective accommodation. House and pet sits vary in length so you will need to find a sit for the length of time you wish to stay in a particular place or, do a few sittings. Duties required are usually looking after the home, watering plants if there are any, collecting the post, putting out the rubbish bins and caring for pets which could involve feeding them, walking them and having cuddles on the couch. I’ve done a few housesitting gigs and highly recommend this option to fellow digital nomads seeking budget-friendly accommodation. I get my house and pet sitting gigs through Trusted Housesitters.

My Best Tips for Choosing the Best Nomad Accommodation for You

Finding the best digital nomad accommodation for you requires a little research on your part. This is what I do:

1. Know what I want from my digital nomad accommodation
2. Check out websites likes Booking.com, HostelWorld, VRBO, Airbnb and Trusted House Sitters of what is available. Also Facebook pages of the place I will be in. Do a search of the town/city you are looking for accommodation and see which Facebook pages show up.
3. Read Reviews of places that meet your criteria.
4. Have a check list of things you require – fast internet, private facilities, close to cafes, etc.
5. Have a trial stay. Yes, book a shorter stay and hope you can extend if you like it

Are You Ready to Choose the Best Digital Nomad Housing for You?

There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to finding the perfect place to call home while you live and work abroad. Hopefully this post has given you the information you need to help you select where you will be sleeping next? If you’ve got any suggestions for digital nomad accommodation I’d love to hear about them in the following comments.

Bed bugs. Ewwww, I hear ya! Bed bugs, who wants to talk about bed bugs? Well, I do!

Travelling the world as I do, I sleep in beds that have been slept in by hundreds, maybe thousands before me. Some beds have been so clean and wonderful to sleep in while others have left me wondering how clean it is! And a couple of times after waking up with a rash I’ve left accommodation early because I’ve discovered bed bugs. Ewwww, yeah, that’s right. So now I always check for bed bugs. And if you are wondering how to check for bed bugs and what to do if you find them, read on.

Bed bugs are just one of those things we encounter while living and working abroad and travelling the world. For me, they rank up there with Bali Belly, another issue that can effect our health and travel enjoyment.

In this post we look at how to check for them, what to do if you find any, and how to stop one hopping into your bag for a holiday with you.

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small oval shaped insects that can grow to about as big as an apple seed. They love to feed on humans or animals by sucking their blood. Ewwww. Bed bugs get their name because they like to hide in bedding and mattresses. And yes, you can see them if they are in your bed due to their size. So one of the first things to do before you hop in to a new bed is to scan the sheets. Yep, those little blood suckers can be seen by our eyes!

this is what those cheeky buggers look like – the size of an apple seed

What Attracts Bed Bugs?

It seems bed bugs are primarily attracted to scents associated with carbon dioxide, body heat and the scent of human skin. Lucky us. And these scents are often found in beds. 

It should be noted that bed bugs aren’t a sign of dirty accommodation or poor personal hygiene by guests. The bugs are usually there because they have hitchhiked in luggage and have been introduced to a place. This includes a bed that has attractions they like and that helps them thrive.

So as travellers, we need to help to reduce the attractions for them. I’ve mentioned how we can do this further on in this post. And you can also only hope that your accommodation changes the bedding after every guest has left. As this helps to reduce their numbers if bedding is removed and changed.

What do Bed Bugs Do to You?

Bed bugs can bite and some people react to their bite more than others. Their bites can cause rashes very similar to mosquito bites. Very annoying!

How to Check for Bed Bugs

1. Before you even book accommodation, read the reviews to see if anyone has mentioned bed bugs. Also read how the owners of the accommodation responded as no accommodation wants a reputation for bed bugs and should get rid of any asap. And if they have, and there is now no problem, use your discretion as to whether you would book accommodation at this place.
2. On arrival at your accommodation, keep your luggage away from the bed. This is because those little suckers love to hide in mattresses and bases.
3. Check your bedding. Remove the sheets and pillows and examine the mattress. Signs of bed bugs can include brown spots which is their poo and any bugs themselves. Use your flashlight to see them.
4. Unfortunately they don’t always reside in beds. They can make their home behind picture frames, in furniture and in cracks.

What Do You Do if you see Bed Bugs in Your Bed?

1. Leave if you can
2. Vacuum your bed
3. Wash the bed sheets
4. Travel with and use scents that repel bed bugs, such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil which is a natural insecticide and repellent. It works by masking the smell of carbon dioxide which is what attracts bed bugs. You can use these oils as a deterrent by spritzing them on your mattress. This is what I do, I travel with tea tree oil. It is also a great antiseptic if your happen to get a small open wound or cut.

As you may not be able to do any of these things, well, number 4, and may not even see them when you get in to bed, hopefully they will leave you alone! I wish.

How to Deal with Bed Bugs if You Find Them While Traveling

If you find bed bugs, document everything and notify management. If you say something, you may be relocated to another bed/room where no bed bugs are or be given a refund. Hopefully, the problem can be rectified.

What to do if you get bitten

If you wake up in bed and you’ve been bitten there are a couple of things you can do.

1. Shower and wash any bite marks or rash with soap and water to stop any infection.
2. If itchy, apply an anti-itch product or antiseptic cream to the infected area, like tea tree oil. And/or take an antihistamine as these help with allergic reactions. Try not to scratch any bites as you could turn them into a sore.

Preventing Bed Bugs from Coming Home with You

If you noticed bed bugs in your bed or room, take steps to deter them hopping in your bags. The best luggage to travel with is hard-cased luggage, as it is more difficult for bed bugs to attach to such materials. Also pack your clothing in re-sealable plastic bags for the same reason. Maybe spray your bag with some tea tree or eucalyptus oil.

Post Travel

Bed bugs are particularly problematic to treat and hopefully, they didn’t hitch a ride to your next destination or home with you. Not good news for travellers who haven’t finished their journey. What things can you do to help get rid of bed bugs in your luggage?

1. Sprays may kill the bed bugs but not their eggs. So what do you do?
2. Vacuum your luggage and dispose of vacuum bags.
3. Wash all your clothes.
4. Use oils to mask carbon dioxide by spritzing them on your bed and other furniture where bed bugs thrive.
5. High temperature apparently kills bed bugs. Adult bed bugs die at 48 degrees Celsius (119 degrees Fahrenheit) – so you could pump up the heating! Or perhaps put your clothes in a hot dryer.

Final Words on Bed Bugs

I know all this seems a lot to do. However, there is nothing worse than waking up with bite marks all over you. Knowledge and a few simple precautions should help you cope with bed bugs and the issues they cause. So now I’m off to check for bed bugs in my bed tonight and have a shower.

You want to live and work abroad, but don’t know if you can afford to leave on this great adventure yet because you are saving up to travel! Well many travellers leave home without big budgets because they will look for jobs abroad with accommodation provided and preferably with no experience needed. Think that’s impossible? Well, it isn’t.

There are some great opportunities out there that not only provide employment but also include the added perk of accommodation. And when you get a job with accommodation included, you kill two birds with one stone. Here are some of the best 10 jobs abroad with accommodation included that don’t need experience or lots of qualifications.

Jobs Abroad With Accommodation (and most without experience needed)

1. Live-in Au Pair, Mother’s Help and Nanny Jobs

When I first moved to London on a UK working holiday visa, I got a job as a live-in Mother’s Help. If you are wondering what a mother’s help is well, it is someone who is there to help the mum. You are somewhere in between an Au Pair and a qualified nanny. You help the mother with jobs such as looking after any children, doing light housework and maybe cooking some meals.

The best things about this type of work was I didn’t need any experience and the job was live-in. So because the job was live-in, this took care of finding a job and somewhere to live in the one hit. As well as the UK, living and working in Europe as an Au Pair or Nanny is very popular.

If you don’t mind looking after children and have no or some experience, you could get one of these child care jobs abroad with accommodation. Many families, in many countries seek a live-in Au Pair, Mother’s Help or Nanny to help in their family. And yes, I was paid a salary and had my own room in the house near the kids. Win, win, don’t you think?

Being a live-in child carer was one of the best jobs abroad I had.

READ MORE: How to Travel and  Work Abroad as an Au Pair or Nanny

2. Hostel & Hotel with accommodation

As you travel and work abroad you will need somewhere to sleep every night. And accommodation costs are one of the biggest costs as you live work and play around the world.

Your choice of accommodation available can include a bed in a hostel or hotel or a cabin in a caravan park or you could be getting into van life. Now this accommodation will have someone checking you in, cleaning your room and other areas and maybe serving you breakfast. Many of these people are actually travellers themselves. They are either working in the accommodation for a wage or have agreed to exchange work for accommodation because they might not have a visa allowing them to work. And many of these jobs in hostels and hotels often don’t need any qualifications or prior experience.

So if you are looking for a job abroad with accommodation, even jobs for couples abroad with accommodation, consider asking where you are staying for the night if any jobs are going. You could also use the large accommodation booking sites such as HostelWorld and Booking.com. They cannot actually get you a job with accommodation but you can check out the accommodation options available. And if you see one you’d like to live and work in, you could contact them directly to see if there was a position with accommodation available.

READ MORE: Get a Job in a Hostel

3. TrustedHousesitters – House and Pet Sitting with Accommodation

One of the biggest expenses while traveling is the cost of accommodation. What would you say if I said you can travel the world for free by simply house and pet sitting. Well, accommodation will be free!

Some people treat house and pet sitting as jobs abroad with accommodation but in most cases, you don’t get paid. Though, I have heard of some people who do receive a small stipend as well as the accommodation.

I guess you are wondering what a house and pet sitter has to do, right? A house sitter basically looks after a house while the resident is away. They may need to look after a pet, water the plants and put the rubbish bins out. Many countries are embracing housesitting including the USA, UK, Australia and many in Europe which is great news for house sitters.

One of the best ways to find a housesitting job is through an agency such as TrustedHousesitters. I’m a member of TrustedHousesitters. I have a profile that allows me to connect with people looking for a house sitter. I have done a number of housesitting gigs and you could too. I think it a great way to get free accommodation that allows me to work abroad without experience.

I house-sat this beach house on the south coast of NSW, Australia for free! And was able to continue my work online 

READ MORE: How to housesit and never pay for accommodation again

4. Teaching English Abroad with Accommodation

Teaching English abroad has long been a way for travellers to legally work in another country. This is because many English language schools will sponsor you to teach English in their schools with or without experience. Of course it helps having a TEFL certificate to get the best paid English speaking jobs work abroad with accommodation. Often included in your contract to teach is free accommodation – not always the best on the block, but accommodation all the same. What an exciting way to immerse yourself in a new culture. It’s one of the popular jobs abroad with accommodation and could see you live and work in many countries around the world.

Popular countries to teach English abroad are in Asia, particularly teaching English in Japan, South America and some European countries. One of the best places to find teaching English job vacancies abroad with accommodation is on online platforms such as Dave’s ESL Cafe.

READ MORE: How to Teach Abroad or Online

5. Cruise Ship Jobs

If you love the idea of being paid to travel the world, then consider a job on a cruise ship. Working on a cruise ship is a great job abroad with accommodation.

Work opportunities onboard a cruise ship are wide and varied. They are in hospitality, entertainment, and housekeeping to name a few. Because you will be living aboard the cruise ship, you will be receive a wage and accommodation (usually in a small cabin shared with other cruise ship workers). Meals and being allowed to get off the ship while in port are also perks for working for a cruise line. Some even allow you to mingle with the passengers like I discovered when I sailed from Southampton to Sydney via the Panama Canal. Though most cruise ships have an area and services for cruise ship staff. No wonder people live and work on cruise ships for many seasons.

There are many cruise ships sailing the waters of the world with popular areas cruising the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Mediterranean. Visit cruise line websites which usually have a careers section advising where you can apply for jobs abroad online for cruise ships.

READ MORE: How to Get a Job on a Cruise Line

6. Work on a Yacht

Do you love being on the water? Well if you do, consider getting a job on a yacht. Working on a yacht as a first mate, chef, stewardess, yoga instructor or even a scuba diving instructor is a very cool experience for working abroad with accommodation provided. After all, just like working on a cruise ship, you will be living and working on the yacht. Your quarters where you live won’t be as luxurious as those upstairs of the paying guests. Working on a yacht is a great way to save money, as you don’t have anywhere to spend it while at sea!

READ MORE: How to find a Yacht Job

7. Seasonal Summer Jobs Abroad with Accommodation

With the different seasons comes different work opportunities.

There are many summer seasonal jobs the working traveller can get. If you enjoy working with kids you could get a job in a USA summer camp for the season. How cool would that be? Or perhaps a job picking fruit and vegetables in Australia where fruit picking jobs with accommodation can be found. Maybe working in a bar or a cafe by the beach or other hospitality jobs which increase during the summer months. Many Aussies on working holidays in the UK will often get a live-in bar job as this takes care of getting a job and accommodation in the one hit. I cannot guarantee that all these seasonal summer jobs will have accommodation provided, but many do.

READ MORE: Bartend your way around the World

8. Seasonal Winter Jobs Abroad with Accommodation

Get a seasonal job in a ski field

If you love the cold weather and particularly the snow, you might consider working a season in a ski resort. Jobs abound in ski resorts as large numbers of staff are required to ensure all the services of the resort are met. From hospitality jobs to ski instructor jobs, all these jobs must be filled. As well as a wage many of these jobs come with accommodation included. Great news!

READ MORE: Get a Job in a Ski Resort in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Europe or Japan.

9. WWOOF

WWOOF stands for Willing Workers on Organic Farms and is a world-wide organisation. You don’t necessarily get paid for WWOOFing as it is basically an exchange program where in exchange for your work you receive accommodation and food. Plus learn different ways of farming in different countries. And you don’t need experience to WWOOF, you only need a willingness to work and learn.

WWOOF is a world wide organisation. You will need to join the organisation in the country you wish to WWOOF in. So if you don’t qualify for a working holiday visa, work permit or digital nomad visa you could WWOOF as you aren’t breaking any laws because you aren’t receiving any money. You are exchanging work for accommodation and food.

READ MORE: WWOOF Your Way around the World

10. Volunteering Jobs with Accommodation

Volunteering can range from working a food line at a local charity, counting turtles, teaching kids in disadvantaged areas, helping on archaeological digs to moving abroad to help a community achieve something. And you don’t need experience to volunteer. Depending on the volunteering you do, will depend on what perks it comes with. If working in the food line you may receive a free meal at the end of your shift – wonderful. If going on a volunteer program, more than likely, you have paid to go on this to cover your food and accommodation and your placement. Your accommodation may be with other participants or with a local family, but hey, what a wonderful experience abroad.

Where to Find Jobs Overseas with Accommodation

If you want to move abroad, finding an overseas job that has accommodation included is a real bonus. So where are these jobs? Well, these jobs can be found in a lot of countries. To find a live in job abroad I suggest:

1. hone in on a country or region that is of interest to you first, then,
2. look for the types of jobs that have the added bonus of accommodation included. This could be in Australia, South America, United Kingdom or Europe. The world is your oyster – just read some of these traveller tales for inspiration.

How to Find Jobs Overseas with Accommodation

Research, research, research is the best way to find a job abroad that includes accommodation. You can do it before you start your travels or while on the road looking for your next destination. Once you have decided where to live and work, you can begin the how to live and work abroad.

1. Using the internet with the search words ‘jobs with accommodation’ would be a start. I’d probably put the country or region with those words. So, ‘jobs with accommodation in X’. X could be jobs with accommodation in Australia or perhaps, jobs with accommodation in Europe. I think you get my drift!
2. If there is a specific type of job you would like to do, which are on this list in this post, contact specific agencies such as an Au Pair agency where you could apply for a job.
3. Check out job boards of specific countries with the words ‘jobs with accommodation’. Such as Seek in Australia, Jobsite in the UK or europa.jobs in Europe.
4. Visit social media sites such as Facebook and check out working abroad pages and groups and backpacker pages and groups. Groups like living and working in Bali.

Final Thoughts

As you have read, there are quite a number of ways to work abroad with free accommodation that require little or no experience. Working abroad with accommodation included can mean you can extend your time travelling the world. So what are you waiting for? Have you had jobs abroad with accommodation and no experience required? If you know of one that I can add to this list I’d love to hear.

Holiday planning can be fun, but also very stressful. Especially when it comes to choosing the best hotel for your trip. There are literally thousands of hotel options available so choosing the best hotel for your trip can sometimes be daunting, particularly when you are choosing accommodation in a foreign, unknown land. To help you choose the best hotel stay for your trip, I am going to share my best tips to help you find your dream hotel. 

Location

One of the most important factors in choosing a hotel for me is its location. Many of the top tourist sites of different cities are usually located close to the centre of the city and that’s because cities were a lot smaller a few hundred years ago to what they are today. As I presume I will not have a car to get to places and will be relying on my own two feet to walk or to catch public transport, I like to choose a location as close as possible to the centre of town. Or, what I have come to the place for. This way I can easily walk to many of the attractions and be close to cafes, restaurants and the nightlife!

If I am flying to a location, I may need to consider hotel options close to the airport, depending on the time of the flight. So one of the first things I do is check the location of the hotel or hotels on the map that is usually provided. The hotel location is extremely important to me and this is why I have put it as the first things on my list to consider when looking to choose the best hotel for my trip. I always consider the reason I need to stay in a hotel and choose the location of my hotel according to my holiday reason.

Price

Price to me is the next thing, after location, that I look for when choosing the best hotel to stay in. As I know my budget, I will do my damnedest to stay within that budget. But I won’t compromise safety, location nor facilities for it – well sometimes!. So I firstly look at the hotels in my price range to see if they offer all the things I am looking for, or needing, for my holiday accommodation. If not, sometimes I have to bite the bullet and upgrade. This is when travel hacking has proven useful. So while looking at the price, I look at the facilities and services the hotel offers.

Services and Facilities

To me, the more services and facilities offered the better! Unfortunately, this can lead to the hotel charging a little more for these facilities.

I begin my search with my budget in mind and this helps me to decide whether or note I require all the services and facilities. If I am having a one night stay in a hotel then I probably won’t need the kitchen facilities but if I am having a one week stay in a hotel, then I probably would want the kitchen facilities. So what services and facilities are important to you? For me, I want free wifi because I am a travel writer, blogger and content creator. Plus I want a comfortable bed, my own bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities will come in handy. And if I am driving, I want free parking. Here are some of the services and facilities hotel’s offer:

• Free wifi – safety use of free wifi
• Parking
• Private bathroom with clean towels and hairdryer plus free soaps and shampoo and conditioner.
• Early/late check in and check out.
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Mini bar/snack bar – although I don’t usually partake in these – or a coffee shop or restaurant or room service.
• Daily room cleaning
• Different bed arrangements – as I don’t always travel as a solo female traveler, sometimes I travel with my partner and other times I need a family room when I travel with my kids. So being able to choose a room that has the right number of beds is crucial.
• Lift if the room is up many flights.
• Air conditioning and heating

Other hotel amenities are nice, but not always a necessity.

• Gym
• Pool
• Balcony with a view
• I do like fresh air so a window that opens
• Iron and ironing board
• 24 hour desk
• Luggage storage – very useful if I have to check out but my flight is not until later. I appreciate the hotel that will mind my bags.

Online Reviews

After I have narrowed my choice of hotel down I read the online reviews and look at the star rating system. These are both very essential to choosing the right hotel stay as these reviews have been left by people who have already stayed at the property. 

Reviews mention scores for staff friendliness and helpfulness, facilities, cleanliness, comfort, location and value for money.

I also like to look at the photos provided, and the more the merrier! Plus I check the location of the hotel as mentioned in 1. the hotel’s location.

Booking the Property

The last step in finding the best hotel for your trip is the booking procedure. I prefer to book hotel accommodation that offers free cancellation up to a day or so before arrival. Just in case my plans change at the last minute.

Places to book a hotel room are directly through the hotel itself, so if you have a particular chain you like to stay at like Hilton, Mercure, Marriott, Sheraton, Budget, etc. then book directly through them. But there are a number of booking sites such as Expedia, Trivago, TripAdvisor, Viator, Agoda and Booking.com. My preferred booking site is Booking.com – read my review of it.

A quick word on ‘All Inclusive Resorts’. An all inclusive resort is a resort that includes your accommodation, pick up from the airport, meals at the resort and sometimes the airfare. These are particularly popular in the Caribbean. I stayed in an all inclusive resort in Cancun, you can read my review of the Fiesta Americana here. 

And if you are wondering should you book a hotel in advance or just wing it. Well, since country shutdowns from Covid-19 pandemic are over, I have found many people travelling. I have been caught twice while travelling Australia with no accommodation for the night and having to sleep in my car. So at this time, I suggest booking in advance particularly if you are travelling with kids.

Are You Ready to Choose The Best Hotel for Your Trip? I think so!

Picking a hotel for your trip can be an extremely daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. I hope my tips in this post will help you find your next holiday hotel. Let me know if you any questions!

More Accommodation Options

Looking for a hostel? Read my tips on how to choose the best hostel for your next holiday.

Why not try Housesitting and never pay for accommodation again.

I arrived in Los Angeles to spend 3 weeks with my American girlfriend Lisa, and she suggested we go to Cancun. As a surprise she had already booked and paid for a one week trip to Cancun with accommodation at the Fiesta Americana Condesa. I was extremely excited to go to Mexico, as I hadn’t been to the Yucutan Peninsula before. If you are planning a trip to this part of Mexico and are wondering where to stay, I highly recommend the Fiesta Americana, and this is why This is my honest hotel review of Fiesta Americana Condesa.

Firstly, Where is Cancun in Mexico?

Cancun is located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the young state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. It faces the Caribbean Sea and is a sun-worshippers and water sports lovers paradise. Throw in fabulous Mexican food and nightlife and this is why my friend had chosen for us to holiday in Cancun. 

Where to Stay in Cancun?

There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to hotels to all-inclusive resorts to stay in Cancun. Accommodation can be found in the downtown area but my friend booked a twin room at the all-inclusive resort on the Cancun Hotel Zone or Zona Hotelera – the Fiesta Americana Condesa. Blvd. Kukulkán km 16.5 , Zona Hotelera, 77500, Cancún, Quintana Roo, México.

Why Stay at the Fiesta Americana Condesa?

My girlfriend actually booked and paid for the trip to Cancun, and she chose this all-inclusive resort for a number of reasons. And after staying there for our one week in Cancun, I can see why she chose it. If you let me sound like a tourist brochure for a moment, the Fiesta Americana Condesa is a high end all-inclusive resort with 11 restaurants and rooms with fabulous views over the crystal clear waters of The Caribbean Sea or the and Nichupte Lagoon. The hotel had absolutely everything we needed for a great stay in Cancun. To be more specific:

What does All-inclusive Resort Mean?

If you go on an all-inclusive vacation, it means most things, if not all are included in the price. So your stay at the accommodation, food, drinks, activities and entertainment are included in the booking price of the resort. 

This is a great way to budget for your holiday as there will be no surprise costs.

For me at Fiesta Americana Condesa my friend chose a package that included our airfare, pick up from and to the Cancun International Airport, buffet breakfast and accommodation. I do recall paying for drinks at happy hour and for dinner in a couple of the restaurants. Lisa always does her research and often gets great hotel deals.

Location of Fiesta Americana Condesa

The location of the Fiesta Americana Condesa was perfect. It is found along Cancun’s hotel zone that overlooks the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon. It is 20 minutes away from Cancun International Airport and a short drive from downtown Cancun. You can find it at Blvd.Kukulkán km 16.5 Zona Hotelera, Cancun.

The Look of the Fiesta Americana Condesa

My first sight of Fiesta Americana Condesa was of the large palapa. A palapa is an open-sided dwelling with a thatched roof made of dried palm leaves. It is great for hot weather as it is open letting the air flow through. Check-in and out reception was located under the palapa before being directed to our room in one of the buildings. There was lots of greenery in and around the common areas softening the concrete structure. Most of the rooms have a view of Nichupte Lagoon or over the hotel pool and ocean. And I spent many an hour by the pool and at the beach so pack for a beach holiday.

Our Room at the Fiesta American in Cancun

Our room at the Fiesta Americana was a twin room with a fabulous view over the pool, beach and the Caribbean Sea. There were two double beds, modern furniture, a TV, a bathroom with complimentary soaps and shampoos and a small balcony with a fabulous view. The room had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

My favourite spot in the pool!

>>>Check Out Prices & Availability for Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun

The Pool and the Beach

The pool at the Fiesta Americana Condesa is huge and has a swim-up bar. I think the water was slightly heated but it was so hot in Cancun at the time of my visit, that the water temperature really didn’t matter. It was just so wonderful to cool off in. I really liked how the pool had a ledge where small kids could play on or you could lie with your sunbed on. And speaking of sunbeds, there were plenty of them and free towels and umbrellas. Though some mornings guests would claim a sunbed and not move from that spot all day!

There was a short walk to the beach where you could play on the sand, swim between the waves or snorkel. We enjoyed walking along the beach late in the afternoon before heading inside to change for ‘Happy Hour’ at the Bar. Some days there was plenty of seaweed on the beach which smelt and was annoying, but you can’t help Mother Nature!

Restaurants

Fiesta Americana Condesa has a number of restaurants, 11 in fact which are offer casual and fine dining. My favourite was the laid back The Grill where between swims we could grab a quick bite and drink. Other restaurants included La Cevicheria offering stunning views over the Caribbean waters. I had lunch here a number of times – the Fajitas were to die for! El Mexicano where you could enjoy Mexican flavours and traditional beer. Of a morning we went to Kalmia to enjoy delicious buffet breakfast, but it was also open all day. If you love sushi there is the Sushi Corner and if you love Italian food head to Trattoria or Rosato for some formal Italian dining. There is food for everyone, even vegetarians, vegans and those preferring gluten free foods.

Gift Shop

Of course there was a gift shop offering boutique clothes, essential items like sunscreen and Mexican souvenirs.

Tour Desk and Concierge

The Fiesta Americana Condesa had a tour desk which was very helpful in arranging tours. Lisa and I booked onto a day trip to Chichen Itza. We were picked up in the morning from the hotel, driven to Chichen Itza where we explored the ruins, before returning to the hotel. You could arrange many things here including other tours to Cozumel or Tulum, to name a couple. But there are plenty of other things to see and do while in Cancun.

There was a concierge at the front of the hotel who was able to organise a number of things. On a couple of occasions they called us a taxi so we could go into downtown Cancun shopping and enjoying a drink in a bar. If you want to rent a car in Mexico, the Concierge can help you with that too.

BOOK your Skip the Line Ticket to Chichen itza

BOOK your Day Trip to Chichen Itza, Vallodid, cenote visit and lunch

Most Popular Facilities

As an all-inclusive resort Fiesta Americana Condesa offered many facilities. These included:

• Free Wifi
• A spa, gym and wellness centre – I never used these as I preferred to swim and sit by the pool or ocean.
• Shuttle Service.
• Free parking if you have your own car or you can rent one.
• Bar and 11 restaurants.
• Fabulous breakfast.
• Tea / coffee maker in all rooms.
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Check out at 12pm
• Tea and coffee making facilities in rooms
• Kid’s club – The Fiesta Americana Condesa is very family-friendly and caters to kids by using the kid’s club

Other Places to Stay in Cancun

I you want to know where to stay in Cancun, well Cancun offers many accommodation options. From hostels to hotels to all-inclusive resorts to co-working spaces for digital nomads. Accommodation can be found in two main parts of Cancun – downtown and along the Zona Hotelera. Check out the Booking.com map for more options. When choosing accommodation know your budget, facilities you want and read the reviews of other people’s stays to help make up your mind.

Wrapping Up this Review of Fiesta Americana Condesa

I honestly really enjoyed my stay at the Fiesta Americana Condesa and I am looking forward to returning one day. I’m so glad when I arrived in Los Angeles my friend suggested a holiday in Mexico. I hope you enjoy staying at Fiesta Americana Condesa too.

>>>Check Out Prices & Availability for Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun

After covid lockdowns, many of us are itching to hit the road and travel our own country or go abroad. The world is our oyster now and as we can travel wherever we want to, many of us are. But if you can’t go on a holiday or quit your job and live abroad, then a staycation may be what you need. Why? Here’s 10 reasons why to take a staycation could be the break from the grind you need. 

What is a Staycation?

Have you been hearing the word staycation a lot lately? Well what is a staycation? If you Google the word staycation, you will discover in short, the word means to spend a holiday in one’s home country rather than abroad. Your staycation is taken from your home or near your home where you could do day trips or weekend trips or longer trips in another part of your home country. Sounds good right! Well, it should, because there are so many wonderful places to go and experience.

How Long is a Staycation?

A staycation can be as long as you want it to be. A day, a weekend, a week or more. But you can make it as long as you want to suit the time you have available.

How Do You Make a Staycation Feel Like a Vacation?

Easy, do things on your staycation that you would do on any vacation. You could:

• Sleep in and stay up late!
• Check out the tourist spots and take lots of pictures.
• Lay by the pool all day!
• Enjoy the local cuisine.
• Book some accommodation and stay overnight.

I think you get the drift!

Why Go on a Staycation? 10 Reasons to Take One

I think the benefits of a staycation far out way any negatives so here are the positives to have a staycation.

1. Easy To Plan And Execute

The first reason why I like staycations is because the planning and executing of a trip abroad can be stressful and fatiguing. Having a staycation at home is far easier to plan and execute. There is less stress in the planning which can cause fatigue.

2. Save Money – One Of The Top Reasons To Take A Staycation

Yep, a staycation at home is far less expensive than a big trip abroad. You can go on a day staycation at minimal cost as there are many ‘free things to do’. For instance, I could catch a bus into the main city near me and see many free things. My current closest big city is Melbourne and there are many free things to see and do. That’s a pretty cheap day-cation, right!

3. Minimal Packing is Required for a Staycation

Depending on the length of your staycation, you will have minimal packing requirements. But still, for any staycation have a packing checklist, even if it is a packing list for a day at the beach. A packing list will help you to not forget anything.  

4. More Time to Enjoy Your Staycation

With a staycation you won’t need to endure a long flight to get to your destination. Though some internal country flights can be long, like Sydney to Perth or LA to New York. Also, no more killing time at the airport waiting for a flight. And there is no jet lag to worry about. A staycation can often be within an hour or two of home giving you more time to enjoy the place you are visiting for your staycation. Less travel time means more time can spent enjoying where you are.

5. A Staycation Gives You A Chance to Explore The Beauty of The Neighbourhood

We often forget to see all the incredible attractions and sights in our own backyard and take them for granted. On a staycation, you will have the chance to visit local sights and attractions. Be a tourist in your own home town.

6. Spend Time with the People or Animals Most Important To You

People are social beings. It is important to keep social connections happening. Having a staycation can help you spend time with family, friends and beloved pets. Include them in your staycation and make it even more special.

7. Good for Your Mental Health and Well Being

It is a known fact that getting out, especially into the great outdoors, is good for your mental health. Connecting with nature is a great way to help your mental health. Connecting with other people and your pets is also good for your mental health. Taking a staycation will let you do these things and thus help your mental health and hopefully you will slow down and de-stress in the process.

8. No Panic During Emergencies

If any emergencies occur while you are out and about, you should know how to handle it. You will know who to call, what to do and where to go. In a foreign country, emergency numbers are different and you won’t know where to go or the procedure. 

9. No Language Barriers

Having a staycation in your home country will mean you don’t have any language barriers. Unlike if you were travelling abroad such as in Europe where you can encounter a different language every couple of days.

10. Support the Locals

Lastly on my list of reasons to have a staycation, you are keeping money local. You will be supporting local businesses who are generally mum and dad businesses. That’s a good thing! Spend your money local and keep the local economy going. And you don’t have to worry about exchange rates either as your dollar, pound or Euro is worth a dollar, pound or Euro.

Where Will You Go for your Staycation?

There are many benefits for having a staycation. Less stress, planning time and cost savings. That doesn’t mean you still can’t plan and enjoy new overseas adventures, but sometimes a holiday at home is just as good!

Here’s Some Staycation Inspiration

Go on a Yoga Retreat or pamper yourself at a day spa.

Put the hiking boots on and go for a hike. Throw in some camping gear and have a weekend away.

Visit a few museums and discover something new.

Take a drive through a wine producing area and sample a few wines.

Spend the day at the beach.

Overnight Train Travel made easier with Sleeper Carriages

The first overnight train travel I ever took was the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Edinburgh. I thought it would be a good idea to get on the train at 10pm, settle into my bed and wake up the next morning in another city, in another country. And apart from waking a few times due to train movement, I thoroughly enjoyed the train ride. I was woken early in the morning by the attendant with my breakfast – that was something I wasn’t expecting. But it made my first overnight sleeper train trip more special.

I’ve taken a few overnight train trips now. There was the XPT (Express Passenger Train) from Melbourne to Sydney. Then there was Paris to Berlin while Eurailing through Europe. And also, the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington in New Zealand and a few other night sleeper trains over the years.

Ready to book your overnight train ticket?

For Europe check out RailEurope
If riding the rails in Japan check out JapanRail

If you are are considering taking an overnight train, here are some pros and cons to consider before booking your overnight train journey.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sleeper Trains

As with every sort of travel option to help you travel the world there are pros and cons. Let’s start with the advantages of overnight train travel.

Pros of Overnight Train Travel

1. Save on Accommodation Costs

The first pro of traveling overnight in a sleeper train is you are making a saving on accommodation. Instead of two costs – the train fare and hotel accommodation for the night – roll both into one cost and you instantly are saving!

2. Let’s you Keep Traveling

As the overnight train trip is your accommodation for the night, you can get off the train in the morning at a new destination. A new city in a new country perhaps! Hopefully you will have got some rest on the train, and when you get off you will be ready and raring to go for your day of sightseeing or whatever you have planned.

3. Train Travel is more Environmentally-friendly

Most trains nowadays are electric and more sustainable than car and air travel that rely on fossil fuels for them to drive and fly. In our current world where most of us are concerned about climate change the friendlier to the environment our travel is, where less emissions are released into the atmosphere, the better for the planet. Trains have a lower carbon footprint and that is a really good thing.

4. Overnight Train Travel Can Be Loads of Fun

I was surprised at first how many people travel on overnight trains. For my first overnight train trip I was expecting the train to be empty – how wrong I was. There were all sorts of people traveling. Families that were visiting family in other cities, solo backpackers traveling around and couples of all ages going places. Depending on the people in the carriage, you can meet loads of other people in similar situations to you. And this can make the trip lots of fun.

5. Train travel is a Comfortable Way of Traveling

I find traveling by train in general is a more comfortable way of traveling. Seats can be comfortable and I like that you can get up and go for a walk whenever you want. As long as you come prepared for your overnight train journey you can survive long-haul and overnight train travel.

6. Avoid Airport Hassles

Even though I love catching planes, after all, they can be way quicker than trains, travelling by train helps to avoid airport hassles. What I mean by this is, cancelled flights, baggage restrictions, long security lines to make your flight. Train travel in general provides a hassle-free (usually) and more relaxed experience. There is no luggage limit and you don’t have the long security lines to get onto your train.

7. It’s Usually Faster than Traveling by Bus

Train travel is not as fast as traveling by plane, but it is faster than traveling by bus. And more comfortable. 

8. See Scenic Routes and Cities at Night

I love sitting in a train and staring fixated out of the window watching the countryside and picturesque towns as the train passes by. When you travel at night, even though it is dark, you can still see the countryside and towns. Instead of seeing a town in the daylight, you will see it with all its lights on – magical!

9. Visit and See Bonus Places

Travelling by train will see the train stop at different places along its route. You may have never considered stopping here previously, until your train does. As most train stations are in the centre of town, you can have a small layover and discover the town, before getting back on the train. I discovered this when I was Eurailing and I needed to change trains to get to the French Riviera. I stopped somewhere in France for a few hours and I discovered the best patisserie!

10. You Have Time to Work, Relax or Sleep

When you travel by train, you can literally do whatever you want to do, within reason that is. You could work on your laptop or phone. Relax by watching the world go by from your window seat. Or sleep. What a great way to travel!

11. Facilities Onboard

Long distance trains have facilities onboard like bathrooms, sleeping areas or cabins and a meal carriage where you can get different foods ranging from snacks to fine dining.

The Cons of Overnight Train Travel

4-birth sleeper cabin

Before you choose to travel overnight by train or not, you will want to consider the cons to overnight train travel. So here are some disadvantages of traveling by train overnight.

1. Overnight Train Travel Can Cost More

Yes, overnight train travel can cost more than travel through the day. This is mainly because overnight trains are designed to carry people overnight and so have sleeping areas. This could be a whole carriage of bunk beds. And thus, just to lay down, you will need to pay extra for the privilege.

2. Sleeping Quarters on Trains can be Tight

The overnight train sleeping compartments can be quite small and tight. When I travelled on sleeper trains from London to Edinburgh the compartment was at a stretch 1.5 metres (just under 5 Foot) wide x 2.5 metres (about 8 Foot) long. There were two beds, bunk beds, one above the other. There was a little window and a small door leading to a toilet and hand basin. I was lucky, the train was pretty empty that night and they moved the other person I was to share the cabin with to another one. Sharing this space with someone I did not know might have been very uncomfortable indeed.

3. Chairs and Beds aren’t always Comfortable

Beds and chairs on overnight trains are designed as much as possible to provide comfort. But everyone is different and one size doesn’t fit all.

TIP: To help with comfort if travelling overnight on a train in a seat, take a neck pillow, blanket, snacks and a bottle of water. A pack of cards is helpful if you want to play games with other passengers.

4. Limited Facilities onboard the Train 

Trains have limited facilities onboard so if you are looking to have a shower or a good meal, think again. Most trains have toilets and hand basins, but not many have showers. Plus as the facilities are shared, they may be cramped and not very clean. Trains may also have a meal carriage serving limited foods and drinks. 

TIP: Take your own snacks when travelling overnight by train.

5. Trains are Not Quiet

Even though you may be in the sleeping area of a train, trains are not always quiet. Apart from the usual train noises, you will encounter people unable to sleep. They unfortunately may have a light on to read or may be on their phone. Card games could be played. People could be walking around or they may just be having conversations. And you can hear everything. That’s when noise cancelling headphones come in! 

6. Trains Move

There is also the movement of the train to deal with – they swaying. On my trip from Melbourne to Sydney, the train seemed to go around a lot of bends. I was laying with my head towards the outside of the carriage. As the train cornered I often felt like I was upside down. This would wake me up.

7. The Views Can be Limited

Because it is so dark outside overnight, you may not see the scenery as you might during the daylight hours. If seeing the scenery matters, I would suggest traveling by day.

8. Extended Travel Time

In most cases, trains will almost always take longer than flights. Airplanes obviously travel at higher speeds, covering long distances quickly, while train journeys often involve multiple stops. While overnight train travel has its advantages, those seeking a faster option may find flying more suitable.

9. There is The Risk of Theft

Unfortunately, there is always some risk that your belongings will be stolen while you are sleeping, not watching or while you go to the toilet or to buy a coffee. Therefore, practicing caution by knowing where your luggage is at all times will help. Also secure your luggage with a padlock so no-one can open it. And also keep your valuables on you or very close by.

10. Unexpected Delays

Trains can be delayed for a variety of reasons. There may be obstacles on the tracks. Signal failure. Snow. Or the train could simply be running late or worse, cancelled due to lack of a train driver or other things. Delays can throw any best laid plans into chaos. If you are worried about this, make sure to buy travel insurance.

FAQs about Overnight Train Travel?

What is sleeper car?

A sleeper car is a carriage of a train where there is a dedicated car or cars for its passengers to sleep in at night. George Pullman was the American innovator of the sleeper car. In fact, Pullman is the term used for railroad sleeping cars built and operated by the Pullman Company from 1867 to 1968.

Is overnight train travel safe?

Yes overnight train travel is safe. Every person who gets on the train, besides the staff on the train, has a ticket. I cannot vouch for everyone’s personality and motives of train travel, but my expectations are, train travel is safe because you are with other passengers doing what you are doing. It would be unfortunate if anyone got on the train to cause distress to other passengers.

Do sleeper trains have toilets?

Yes. Some rooms may have en-suite facilities but if not, there would be a shared toilet available.

Do sleeper trains have showers?

Some trains offer a range of hotel-like amenities where a shower is available, but most don’t. 

Do you share a room on a sleeper train?

Rooms or cabins can be reserved for solo occupancy however, there will be an extra cost. Most people share.

Do you get a blanket on a sleeper train?

Not all the time. Though if you have booked a sleeper you will most likely get a proper freshly-made bed with sheets and blankets. However, if you haven’t booked a sleeper bed, but a chair for your overnight travel, I would suggest you take your own blanket on-board.

What is a couchette vs sleeper?

Sleepers and couchettes are different. Sleepers include a bed and usually a private washbasin, towels and bed linen and can accommodate a varying number of passengers. They can be single, double or 3 or 4 person compartments. A couchettes on the other hand are simple overnight accommodation that can sleeps up to six people in bunks.

Are You Ready for Night Train Travel?

Overnight train travel is a very convenient and scenic way to travel. It is important to consider the pros and cons of overnight train travel before taking the plunge and buying your train ticket. I hope this post has helped you decide. I personally choose train travel over flying when I have the time.

Many countries have sleeper cars trains with sleeping compartments. There are sleeper trains in the UK with one of the most popular routes being sleeper trains to Edinburgh from London. Europe is a popular area for sleeper trains too as it has an extensive train system helping you to travel around Europe by train. Plus there are sleeper trains in India and Amtrak sleeper trains in the USA. And I’m looking forward to experiencing sleeper trains in Vietnam and revisiting my favourite overnight train trip so far that in sleeper trains to Scotland again. Have you traveled by overnight train? I’d love to hear in the comments.

Some epic overnight train journeys in the world

The Reunification Express – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 1,726km (1072 miles) takes about 30 hours
The Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco, USA – 2400 miles 3900km – (2434 miles) takes about 52 hours
Tazara Railway – Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, Zambia and Tanzania – 1860km (1155 miles) – takes about 44 hours
Caledonian Sleeper – London to Edinburgh – takes about 6 hours
The Orient Express – London to Venice – 2,740 km (1,700 miles) – takes about 2 days
Indian Pacific – Sydney to Perth, Australia – 4352kms (2704 miles) – takes just over 3 days

Also Read

The Ultimate Guide to Eurail and InterRail Pass
5 Reasons to Travel Europe by Train
9 Tips to Survive Long-haul and Overnight Train Trips
Tips for Travelling Japan with a Japan Rail Pass