When you are traveling and working abroad you will need somewhere to come home to at night time. And you will find many different accommodation types as you travel the world to lay your head for the night. Your accommodation could be sleeping on a friend’s couch, a bed in a youth hostel dorm, having some creature comforts in a motel room or renting an apartment or house. Some of the accommodation will be short-term accommodation while other accommodation will be long-term accommodation. There are also some very unique and interesting places to stay including in caravans, castles, tepees, treehouses, riads, ryokans and igloos – all top accommodation types.
Whether you are planning a family holiday abroad with kids, going solo, in a couple or with a group of friends, there is accommodation available to suit every type of traveller and their budget. Whatever accommodation you are seeking, I am providing an outline of the different types of accommodation, including the pros and cons of each in this post to help you discover suitable accommodation as you work and travel around the world.
Top Accommodation Types
Following are some of the most common types of accommodation you can stay in while you travel. Accommodation can be divided into two categories: catered and self-catering. Catered accommodation provides travellers with food, mostly included in the price of the accommodation or as an add on. So you will encounter B&B (bed and breakfast) which includes breakfast. Half-board which includes breakfast and dinner and full-board which includes 3 meals per day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, many like to cook their own meals or go out for a meal and so, prefer self-catering accommodation.
1. Hostels
Best for: solo and/or budget travellers (singles, couples and families).
First on my list of top accommodation types as you work and travel the world is hostels. There are different types of hostel ranging from very basic to boutique. Yep, hostels have been evolving and are a great option for solo and budget travellers. Hostels were (and in some cases still are) over-packed bedrooms filled with bunk beds (maybe up to 20) with smelly backpackers. So it is a good idea to understand some backpacker hostel etiquette before you choose this type of accommodation.
Hostels are changing to offering many more services as there is a lot of competition out there. You will find hostels with communal kitchens, free wifi, weekly parties, co-working spaces and coffee shops. They can offer private rooms for singles and couples and also have family rooms for families. The cheaper dorm rooms still exist but hostels offer many services such as communal areas where you can meet fellow travellers.
There are a lot of things to consider before booking a bed in a hostel so understand hostel dorm living. One way to reduce the cost of staying in a hostel is to work for your accommodation. This could see you on reception checking in and out guests or cleaning. But if it makes your hostel stay cheaper, then look into this option. Some people make a career of working in a hostel.
Pros of Staying in a Hostel
- They are affordable.
- You meet fellow like-minded travellers.
- They offer services such as laundry, wifi, kitchens, co-working and communal areas. Some offer extra things like pools and airconditioning.
- Mostly conveniently located close to good transport networks and centre of town.
Cons of Staying in a Hostel
- Not much privacy.
- Located out of town.
- You may not like your room mates.
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2. Hotels & Motels
Best for: budget to luxury travel one night or more stays and weekend breaks for solo travellers, couples, friends and families.
Out of all the accommodation types on this list I think hotels and motels are the most popular type of accommodation people stay in as your work and travel the world. Hotels and motels are found all around the world. A hotel and a motel are very similar but different. The main difference between a hotel and a motel is the size. A hotel is usually a large establishment with hundreds of rooms across multiple floors, while a motel is much smaller and has maybe 20 to 30 rooms spread across one or two floors. They vary with the amenities they offer from place to place and you usually get what you pay for. Expect your own private room with bathroom, TV, daily housekeeping and room service. As well as pools, restaurants, bars, free wifi, airport transfer, 24-hour desk and free bathroom cosmetics.
There are many chains of hotels around the world from budget to those that would cost a weekly wage to stay in for one night or more. Hotels are mostly classified by stars.
- One star hotel classification is hotels that are basic and may or may not have a bathroom.
- Two, Three, Four star hotel classification are hotels that have a bathroom and range from budget to mid-range hotels.
- Then you have five star hotels that are luxury hotels and resorts that offer many services and have all the latest mod cons.
You can pre-book a hotel or if on a road trip, drive up and ask are there any rooms available. If pre-booking, there are many things you might want from your hotel or motel stay – free wifi, parking, etc.
Pros of Staying in a Hotel / Motel
- More creature comforts than a hostel – you can shower in peace.
- Privacy for travellers who don’t mind paying a little extra.
- Located in convenient places, close to town.
- Some toiletries provided.
Cons for Staying in a Hotel / Motel
- More expensive than hostels.
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Sharing with people in a Hostel vs Privacy in a Hotel / Motel Room
3. Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)
Best for: budget travellers’ wanting unique experiences.
Guesthouses and B&Bs can be found in many parts of the world. They range from beach huts to small hotels, little bungalows or rooms in a person’s house like a B&B. Usually the owner will be living in or near the accommodation. There can be some very unique options like treehouses, farm stays, etc.
Pros of Staying in a Guesthouse or B&B
- Can be homely
- breakfast (and other meals) are usually included.
Cons of staying in a Guesthouse or B&B
- The owner will be around so not for those who want to party.
- Quality and cost varies widely.
4. Resorts
Best for: anyone who wants their accommodation to include everything they need so they don’t need to leave.
A resort is a self-contained establishment that aims to provide most of a vacationer’s needs. This includes accommodation, food, drink, swimming, sports, entertainment and shopping on the premises. They are often found in popular holiday spots like Bali, Australia’s Gold Coast, Cancun in Mexico and Hawaii to name a few. What I like about staying in resorts is they are usually all-inclusive resorts meaning, they provide everything. I have stayed in a few around the world, but the one that stands out for me is the Fiesta Americana in Cancun, Mexico – read my review of it.
Pros of staying in a Resort
- are mostly all-inclusive so you know how much your holiday will cost you.
- include accommodation, meals, entertainment so you don’t need to leave the resort if you don’t want to.
Cons of staying in a resort
- because you’ve paid for everything up-front you may discover when you get there, there are other things you want to do such as go out to a particular restaurant, but you have already paid for your meals.
5. Apartments (Units, Condos)
Best for: long-term stays of a week or more and solo travellers, families and groups.
I love renting apartments when I travel to places I know I am staying for a week or more. It’s great to have the extra space with a living room (hopefully with a TV and free wifi) and the flexibility of a kitchen. I like having access to a kitchen because I like to cook my own meals as it saves on money and also can be a healthier option than buying take away. The homely feel often makes me feel more settled than in a hostel or hotel. Many are also serviced apartments meaning a housekeeper may come weekly to clean. They can work out quite cheap to stay in if there is a small group of you.
Pros for Renting an Apartment
- More space. Great if you need to set up to work online.
- Having a kitchen means you can cook healthy meals which can save you money.
Cons of Renting an Apartment
- Can be expensive and it may not be what you were expecting.
Breakfast included vs making your own
6. Camping & Glamping (Tents, Caravans, Car Camping)
Best for: anyone who likes camping in a tent or car camping and has the gear.
Camping is a popular top accommodation type. Camp sites are usually in beautiful and convenient locations and offer the traveler cheap accommodation. Accommodation in tents, cabins and caravans. Many travellers buy their own tent and equipment to spend time in the great outdoors. If you are a beginner camper, get the lowdown how to start tent camping or car camping. You will get loads of tips on the best camping equipment to buy and why – cause we all have to start somewhere right?
Pros of Camping
- Camping is one of the cheaper types of accommodation. Can be cheap or free depending where you set up camp.
- If staying in a camping ground you will have access to amenities like a shower and toilet block, laundry facilities and maybe a small grocery store. Other amenities like a pool, games room, BBQ areas.
- If you have your own gear camping can be your home away from home.
- If camping off-grid there are many free camping areas to free camp.
Cons of Camping
- Have to share facilities with many people if staying in a camping ground.
7. House and Pet Sitting
Best for: anyone who wants a local experience and is happy to exchange their time looking after the home and the pets in exchange for free accommodation.
If you want to get a real feel for the local culture then you can opt for a house or pet sit. This is where you will look after a person’s home while they are away. Most just want to ensure their home is looked after but sometimes you may have pets to look after, pot plants to water and bins to put out. In return you receive free accommodation. Read my blog on house and pet sitting here.
Pros of House Sitting
- Get free accommodation in exchange for house and pet sitting.
- Let’s you immerse yourself in the local area where you may not have thought of visiting the area previously.
Cons of House Sitting
- Can be anywhere and sometimes in out of the way places.
- Must adhere to rules of the home owner.
- May not get on with the animals.
👉👉👉 For house sitting opportunities register with a house sitting agency such as TrustedHousesitters.
Camping in a tent vs House Sitting – both great accommodation options
8. Van, Caravan & RV Life
Best for: singles, couples and families (depending on the size of the van)
Many people are choosing to live and work in a van, caravan or RV. They buy a van and convert it into a home by installing a bed, a bathroom, kitchen and seating area. Then travel around taking road trips to wherever they want. Parking up the van and living the van life is a popular accommodation and transport option around the world.
Pros to Van Life
- When you live in a van you have your home with you and not have to fork out loads on accommodation.
- Travel when you want and where ever you want to go.
- Be independent and live off grid if you want.
Cons to Van Life
- Can be cramped.
- Might need to pay to stay in camping grounds if not free camping.
- If working from your van you need to keep in mind time zones and wifi connection.
9. Overnight Transportation
Best for: solo travellers, backpackers or anyone who doesn’t mind the movement of trains and buses while sleeping
There is one last top accommodation types I want to tell you about. It is not exactly accommodation, but there are sleeping options that will save you money on accommodation costs. On a trip in New Zealand, I took the overnight train from Auckland to Wellington to see a friend. I bought my ticket and spent the trip sitting up in a train seat. I was totally unprepared for such a journey. Since then I have taken a number of overnight train trips such as Paris to Munich on my Eurail ticket to mostly save on accommodation costs. And I’ve become a lot more savvy and prepared for any overnight journey by booking a sleeper bed for the journey. Plus take my comforting travel items like a neck pillow, eye patches, ear plugs, water and snacks. And wear something warm. Sleeping on planes, trains, buses and boats overnight can take a lot of practice, but with the right travel items, can save you heaps on accommodation.
Pros of Overnight Transportation
- A wonderful way to save money on accommodations costs.
- Arrive at your destination rested (hopefully) and you will be able to explore your new surroundings.
Cons of Overnight Transportation
- Can be uncomfortable sitting up all night if you don’t bring travel items or book a sleeper bed.
- It can get cold but sometimes hot and stuffy.
- Can be noisy with other people close.
Overnight Transportation Tips
- Book a seat with a lot of legroom, or book a sleeper.
- Bring travel items – eye-mask, earplugs, neck pillow, something warm, water and snacks. Also a pack of cards may come in handy if you and your transport buddies cannot sleep.
- Secure all your valuables safely.
- Set your alarm or befriend your neighbour so you don’t sleep through your stop!
10. Boats and other Seafaring Vessels
Best for: people who are taking overnight travel on sea vessels – people of all ages sail aboard ferries, yachts and cruise ships.
There is a wide variety of seafaring vessels ranging from small yachts, houseboats, ferries and cruise ships. There can be short sailings and longer ones. On longer sailings, particularly in Europe and Scandinavia and between Victoria and Tasmania in Australia there are overnight ferries where you can purchase a cabin for sleeping.
Pros of Sleeping onboard a seafaring vessel
- great to get some rest when on a long overnight or longer sailing trip.
Cons of Sleeping onboard a seafaring vessel
- cabins can feel claustrophobic.
11. Co-Working & Co-Living Spaces
A co-working and/or a co-living space are types of accommodation that have recently come to the forefront of accommodation with the rise of digital nomadism. To be a digital nomad or remote worker many require good WiFi and a comfortable place to work. Many are also wanting to work from home but as they are on the move every few months or so, a co-working and co-living space will suit their lifestyle.
12. Other Types of Accommodation
As you travel the world you will discover lots of different styles of accommodation, many local to countries. Part of travelling is experience different cultures and this includes different styles of accommodation. Accommodation you could try includes but not limited to:
- Ryokan in Japan
- Riad in Morocco
- Villa in Italy
- Chalet in the Swiss Alps or other ski areas
- Beach hut in Fiji or hut over the ocean in the Maldives
- Castle in the UK
- Lodge in Africa
- Dude ranch in America
Are You Ready to Find Great Accommodation?
There are many great accommodations options as you work and travel around the world. And one point I wanted to make is that cheap travel accommodation is possible. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on accommodation to see the world, if you are open-minded, there are many accommodation options to take advantage of while travelling the world. There are the most common accommodation options plus some very unique accommodation waiting for you to discover. And you don’t just have to choose one form of accommodation, you can mix and match what is on offer to match your travel lifestyle at the time.
READ MORE: Transport Options to Travel Around the World
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