What most inspires your holiday decisions? Do you pick a destination that’s always appealed to you and then look for somewhere to stay, or throw caution to the wind and book a dream hotel that you’ve read about, regardless of where it is?
For most of us, budgets, holiday companions and the destination itself will, of course, all play their part in our decisions on where to stay. Likewise, how much independence we want and how much we want to be immersed in local life. As ever, plenty of things to consider before decisions are made but it really is worth investing some time and thought into finding what is likely to work best for you.
Holiday Companions
Above all, any decision around where you stay will be affected by your fellow holiday companions. If there’s just one or two of you, a hotel is a welcome indulgence: after all, who doesn’t enjoy a week’s respite from shopping, cooking and making the bed?!
However, while it’s easy to assume that staying in a hotel where everything is done for you is the more relaxing option, often the independence of having your own villa can actually be more restful because of the flexibility that comes with self-catering. Breakfast by the pool at 10am in your PJ’s? Feel free! And if there are grandkids in the group, they’ll love the freedom of having their own pool to play in without worrying about noise levels!
Top tip: Worried about missing out on your own private space? Just choose a villa with a separate guest house so you can escape when it all gets too much.
Which Is the Most Budget-Friendly Option?
Of course, we all have different ideas as to what’s affordable. What represents great value for one person may be completely inaccessible to someone else but all-inclusive holidays come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the lower end of the market to super-luxury.
Nevertheless, once you’ve set an approximate total budget for your trip, booking an all-inclusive where everything is paid for upfront can be very reassuring and can also offer excellent value for money. However, it’s important to be realistic in your expectations – there’s nothing more frustrating than being presented with sub-standard meals and then having to fork out for a more appealing option at a local restaurant!
Another factor to consider is who’s picking up the cheque. If you’re considering treating adult kids and even perhaps grandchildren, staying in a villa will certainly give you more for your money – think private pool, garden and your own space – and will give you much more control over what you spend on eating out and activities.
Top tip: Think carefully about value for money. If you enjoy exploring locally and are unlikely to use the on-site facilities, self-catering may ultimately offer better value than an all-inclusive or resort hotel.
Enjoy the Independence of Self-Catering
If the kitchen is the last place you want to be on holiday, then a hotel or all-inclusive will allow you a proper break from planning and preparing meals. But if you enjoy experimenting with different food and perhaps even find cooking relaxing, self-catering will give you the freedom of eating in or trying local restaurants.
Staying in your own rental property means you can choose where and when you want to eat and generally create your own routine. And with the right frame of mind, and away from everyday time constraints, planning meals, shopping for fresh ingredients in local markets and preparing delicious meals can be a wonderful excuse to spend precious time together.
If you’re holidaying in the heat of the summer, the prospect of cooking in a hot kitchen may be less appealing, but there are ways round this too. Prioritise villas with outdoor kitchens and you’ll find that everyone is that little bit more willing to help with the prepping!
Top tip: Need an evening off? Book with a company that offers private chefs who will take over the shopping, prep and cooking for one or two evening meals.
Should I Choose Luxury Over Authenticity?
While traditionally, all-inclusive holidays were regarded as budget-friendly, a new breed of resorts are offering a high-end experience that is easily on a par with 4 and 5-star hotels. Luxuriously furnished rooms and suites, gourmet dining and an excellent range of activities and amenities have shaken up this sector of the leisure market. What you’re unlikely to find there, though, as with the top end hotels, is an authentic experience that takes you on a deep dive into local culture.
If you’re looking for authenticity, then you’ve more chance of finding it on a self-catering holiday where you’re mingling with locals on the beach and in town. And there’s no need to sacrifice luxury: you’ll find a great selection of luxury villas with infinity pools, jacuzzis and exquisitely furnished high-tech interiors with hotel style en-suite bedrooms throughout Europe.
Top tip: take advantage on authentic verified online reviews on sites such as Feefo for more information on self-catering holiday homes.
What About Activities, Facilities and Tours?
Give some thought before you book as to how active you and your party are likely to be. Are you likely to play tennis or do yoga each day? Or perhaps there are active teenagers in the group hoping to sail, paddle board or waterski? If so, hotels and all-inclusive resorts that offer free water sports and other amenities are a good choice.
However, if the reality is unlikely to match the pre-holiday intentions, and all you really want is a large garden and pool, you may find yourself paying a premium for something you barely use. Plus even if you self-cater, it’s generally fairly easy to find out about local activities, such as a wine-tasting or cooking class.
Top tip: Wherever you stay, when it comes to exploring local attractions, consider booking a private tour to save yourself the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads and parking restrictions.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Which sort of accommodation do you usually stay in? What influences your decision? How much does it depend on which country you’re in?
