Introduction to Options for Senior Travel Accommodations
Your accommodations can have a significant effect on the quality of your vacation. It is likely the most important decision you will make during your travel planning. As described in this post, “Best Options for Senior Travel Accommodations”, your accommodations may not be just about where you sleep at the end of your adventurous day. Dependent upon what you choose, your “temporary housing” can be where you eat, recreate, learn, socialize and spend a majority of your vacation, if that is what suits your preference. Below, I will discuss several options in your search for the perfect accommodations:
Hotels
Hotels are typically the venue of choice for short stays and road trips. Travelers can choose to book through third parties (Price Line, Expedia, Hotels.com, etc.) or directly with the hotel. I have found booking through 3rd parties to offer better pricing, but typically limited cancellation possibilities (unless done well in advance). Booking with the hotels directly, or thru their rewards program, gives you more flexibility and of course related rewards. If you have a favorite hotel line, a rewards program and direct booking makes sense. In addition, the medium to high end hotels are often full service, which includes a restaurant, a bar, a business center and sometimes a concierge for assistance with local needs. These features can often make the stay very convenient for those that want to rest after a long day of travel or sightseeing. If you are in a wheelchair or cannot walk up and down stairs, be sure to reserve a first-floor room or that the hotel has an elevator.
Hotel Booking Resources (usually cancelable, even the morning of a reservation)
Links to be added
Third Party Booking Resources (usually non-cancelable when booked on short notice)
Links to be added
Air BNB
When my family has needed to stay at a location for a prolonged (say more than 3 days) period, we prefer to have a kitchen so eat we can eat healthy and more affordably. Air BNB’s can range widely in style and quality, from an apartment to luxurious Tuscany villas. Given that range of possibilities, they can provide a unique and on the higher end, exceptional vacation experience. Most often, my family has booked Air BNB’s (on the budget end of the scale) that have worked out well. Like booking hotels with a third party, I have found Air BNB’s most often have strict cancellation policies. We have in fact run into some regrettable situations that have caused us to forfeit our reservation (and reservation fee) and seek last minute reservations at a hotel. This is why you will see me discuss later in this post the advantages of inclusive resorts and timeshare rental (call it my bias). Lastly, we have found that Air BNB’s, typically being private homes, are not necessarily focused upon accessibility. If anyone is in a wheelchair or cannot walk stairs, it is best to do a thorough checkout of the layout and overall accessibility.
Air BNB Booking Resources
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Full Service Destination Resorts
It is every retiree’s dream to go on a perfect vacation at some beautiful, exotic resort where they can be pampered and enjoy a life of luxury. Since the 1960’s, the all-inclusive resort concept has become one of the most popular ways of vacationing. A trip to an all-inclusive resort can be a relatively stress free vacation, as these resorts include everything from accommodation, food, and drink to workout, entertainment and recreational activities.
There are several advantages and some disadvantages to these full service resorts:
- An all-inclusive resort takes care of all the logistics and local transportation required on your part. Depending upon the package or resort you choose, they can even take care of your airplane ticket and other fares.
- A major advantage of booking an all-inclusive resort is the value they offer. They are a great way to save money and can offer amazing experiences in a convenient, low hassle way.
- Most resorts have a peak, shoulder and off-season. During peak season, prices are higher than the shoulder and off-peak seasons. If you are flexible with the travel dates, you can arrive at the resort before or after the peak season to benefit from heavily discounted non-peak rates.
- Researching and booking individual parts of your vacation can be time-consuming. An all-inclusive resort can take care of this, providing all you need in one package. Once you arrive there, you don’t have to hassle with taxis or local transportation, as everything is on-site. On the negative side, by spending all of your time within the resort, you may miss out on local attractions, sightseeing and spontaneous adventures and cultural experiences.
- Travel can be a wonderful adventure, taking you to amazing destinations throughout the world. However, not everywhere is safe. If you are unfamiliar with a location, you can find yourself unintentionally in a dangerous situation. Understandably, seniors will tend to opt for safer places where they can spend some fun time without these worries. An all-inclusive resort is by far the best option for people who don’t want to travel to a region with violent street crimes.
- Another advantage to booking an all-inclusive resort is that you’ll get a chance to meet people who share common interests with you. Many resorts cater to certain specialties, like golf, tennis, beaches, etc. This can be a great way to pursue a passion and meet great people at the same time.
In summary, if you are looking for a relaxing, low stress getaway, a resort get-away might be just for you. All-inclusive resorts offer an experience no other travel package can. They allow you to relax and use their facilities whenever you like and enjoy your vacation at your own pace. That said, you may miss out on some local flavor and adventure, but even that can be arranged if you so choose. If you are in a wheelchair or cannot walk up and down stairs, be sure to check with the resort to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
All-Inclusive Resort Booking Resources
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Renting a Timeshare
An often overlooked option to booking a hotel, Air BNB or full service resort is renting (or owning) a timeshare. Personally, I consider this to be a happy medium between an Air BNB and a full service resort. It gives you the convenience of your own kitchen and home-like setup of an Air BNB with many of the resort amenities of a full scale resort. Timeshare properties are available around the world. I have found the quality to be very consistent with the mid-high quality properties. If you choose to book well in advance, you will likely be able to book world class accommodation in almost any part of the world. Timeshare renters have the convenience of everything being set up for them so that they do not have to bring anything except their necessities.
There are a number of advantages to booking a timeshare. Compared to a hotel or Air BNB, a timeshare can feature a wide array of amenities. The specifics will vary from one location to another, of course, but most include a full kitchen as well as a washer and dryer and wireless internet. A majority of them will have some type of pool, either indoor or outdoor, as well as a hot tub and exercise facilities. Some timeshares will have deluxe amenities similar to a full scale resort. My wife and I own a timeshare in Escondido that has two golf courses, tennis courts, a performing arts venue (musicals and plays), a full service restaurant and a shopping pavilion. Lastly, some timeshares provide activities for both adults and children.
Booking Timeshares at a Discount
If you have wanted to go on a timeshare vacation but did not think you could afford it, look into the possibility of a last minute rental. You might be surprised by what is available.
Most timeshare owners book their time during popular times of year such as around the holidays. However, if you are willing to be flexible regarding the dates you wish to travel, you will often find properties available for much less than you would ordinarily pay.
Owners who cannot use their timeshare for their allotted time will often offer up their time “for rent”. This then provides a great opportunity to enjoy a resort like accommodation at a discount. Of special benefit, timeshare properties can be found all over the world, both in the United States and internationally. Even though last minute rentals may limit your options somewhat, you will be able to book destination all over the world.— with the added benefit, if you have the flexibility to be able to book last minute, of an often dramatically reduced price.
Lastly, if you are in a wheelchair or cannot walk up and down stairs, be sure to check with the resort to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
Timeshare Rental Resources
Links to be added
Other Travel Resources
Great summaries! Also, hotels and timeshares are physically more accessible overall and have accessible rooms and showers, while AirBnb’s are frequently not built with accessibility in mind.
That’s a good point. I will add it to my summary!