Choosing Accommodations
One of the most exciting—and sometimes challenging—parts of planning a family or friend group getaway is deciding where to stay. The right accommodations can make or break a trip, influencing both the overall experience and how well your group can relax, explore, and enjoy their time together. As a small group tour operator specializing in family and friend groups, we know that where you stay, and how often you switch accommodations, is crucial to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. So let’s dive into some key considerations when choosing accommodations, both domestically and internationally, and how our guided tours can take the stress out of this process.
Domestic vs. International Accommodations
Whether you’re staying closer to home or traveling internationally, your choice of accommodation will play a big role in your trip’s comfort, convenience, and overall experience. Here are some things to consider for both types of travel:
Domestic Accommodations
- Familiarity: If you’re traveling within your home country, you’ll likely have more familiarity with the types of accommodations available, such as hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, or even campgrounds/cabins. You may also have access to accommodations that cater specifically to families or large groups, such as family-friendly hotels with amenities like pools, kids’ clubs, and restaurants.
- Cost-Effectiveness: In many cases, domestic destinations tend to offer more budget-friendly options, especially when it comes to family suites, multi-bedroom rentals, or vacation homes. You can sometimes find larger accommodations at a more affordable price than international destinations.
- Convenience: If you’re traveling within your own country, it’s easier to book accommodations that meet your specific needs. You can find spots that are well-reviewed by families, near key attractions, and with activities that everyone will enjoy.
International Accommodations
- Local Flair and Unique Experiences: International travel offers the opportunity to stay in more unique, local accommodations—think charming boutique hotels, historic guesthouses, or private villas. Staying in these kinds of places can give your family or friend group a more authentic and immersive experience of the destination.
- Varied Options: Depending on the country, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation types, from resorts to agriturismos (country estates), boutique hotels, or vacation apartments. This variety allows you to select accommodations based on what kind of experience you’re seeking, whether that’s relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion.
- Language and Logistics: Depending on where you’re going, language barriers or differing booking systems can sometimes make finding and securing the right accommodation more challenging. For international travel, having a trusted tour operator handle the booking process can save time and stress.
- Different Rating Systems: In the US, we are used to the hotel star system with one star being very basic with limited amenities to 5 star being luxury with all the amenities. But in Europe, there are some differences. The rating is often based on either location relative to popular sites OR amenities offered. So a 4 star hotel could be a very nice hotel with lots of amenities that is further away from the main attractions OR it could be a very basic one that is within walking distance to everything. Quality Time Tour Co. strives to choose accommodations that are balanced between comfort and location.
Accommodation Considerations Based on Kids’ Ages
The ages of your children or the diversity of your family members can also influence the type of accommodation that best suits your needs. Here’s how to choose the best accommodation based on age:
- Babies and Toddlers: Families with young children often require more space, privacy, and convenience. A vacation rental, like an Airbnb or private villa, might be ideal since it provides extra room for naps, playtime, and a kitchen for preparing meals. Some families prefer resort-style accommodations that offer amenities such as babysitting services, kid’s clubs, or family-friendly pools.
- Young Children (Ages 3-8): During this stage, kids need both flexibility and convenience. A hotel or resort with child-friendly activities (such as a kids’ club, pool, water park, or family rooms) can make life easier for parents. Having easy access to dining options, on-site activities, and entertainment is key. Alternatively, families might prefer a centrally located apartment or family suite for added flexibility.
- Tweens and Teens (Ages 9-14): Older children often enjoy accommodations with a bit more freedom, such as hotels with teen-friendly amenities like game rooms, entertainment options, or even nearby adventure parks. Some families with older children prefer a mix of accommodations, such as combining stays in a city hotel with countryside cottages or cabins to give everyone a change of scenery.
- Multi-Generational Families: If your group includes grandparents or other older relatives, choosing accommodations with accessibility in mind is crucial. Look for places with easy access, elevators, and walk-in showers. Depending on where you are traveling, not all accommodations (or sites) are accessible, so that can be a challenge when looking for where to stay. Many families also choose villas or vacation rentals for large groups, as they offer plenty of space for everyone to gather without feeling crowded.
Staying in One Place vs. Moving Around: Pros and Cons
Another important consideration when planning where to stay is whether to book accommodations in one central location or move around to different places. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each option:
Staying in One Place: The Comfort of Stability
Advantages:
- Relaxed Itinerary: Staying in one place allows your group to unpack once and settle in, which can be especially beneficial for families with young children or elderly relatives. You won’t have to worry about checking in and out of hotels, packing up every few days, or hauling luggage.
- Easier for Kids: Moving around a lot can be stressful for younger children, who may have a harder time adjusting to new environments frequently. Staying in one location reduces that stress and gives everyone a home base to return to at the end of each day.
- Less Time Traveling: By staying in one place, you have more time to explore your destination, relax, and enjoy the local culture. You won’t waste time packing, checking out, traveling to the next location, and then checking in again.
Group Bonding: When you’re all staying in one place, it’s easier to connect, bond, and share the experience as a group. Whether it’s having meals together in your accommodation or relaxing after a long day of sightseeing, staying in one place enhances group cohesion.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Exploration: Staying in one place can limit the number of areas you can explore during your trip. If your destination is large or spread out, you may miss out on experiencing the variety of landscapes, cultures, or attractions that other parts of the region offer. However, planning some day trips can expand what you are able to experience.
Moving Around: More Variety and Adventure
Advantages:
- Diverse Experiences: Moving from place to place allows your group to experience different regions, landscapes, or cultures, which can make your trip feel more varied and adventurous.
- Maximized Exploration: If you’re traveling to a region with a lot to see, staying in different locations ensures you can explore more of the destination without long daily drives.
Disadvantages:
- More Logistical Complexity: Moving from place to place requires more planning and coordination. You’ll have to deal with the stress of packing, unpacking, and traveling between accommodations—something that can be taxing, especially with children.
- Added Time and Costs: Traveling between locations often means spending more time in transit and potentially adding extra costs for transportation, meals on the go, or additional accommodations.
How Our Guided Tours Simplify Accommodation Choices
One of the greatest benefits of choosing one of our guided tour is how it simplifies the accommodation process. With guided tours, we strive to minimize the stress of switching accommodations while still offering a well-rounded experience. Here’s how we handle accommodations to ensure a seamless trip:
- Fewer Hotel Changes: For most destinations, we keep accommodation changes to a minimum—often booking just one place for the duration of the trip or having only one accommodation change. This ensures your group spends more time enjoying the destination rather than moving around.
- Expertly Chosen Locations: We select accommodations that are centrally located, comfortable, and family-friendly, meaning you can focus on what matters most—spending time together.
- Convenience and Comfort: By organizing the entire accommodation process for you, we eliminate the stress of booking, changing hotels, and figuring out logistics. Our expert team ensures that accommodations match the needs of families and friend groups, whether that’s through spacious rooms, proximity to attractions, or family-focused amenities.
Conclusion: The Best Accommodations for Your Group
Choosing where to stay during your family or friend group vacation is more than just picking a place to sleep—it’s about finding a home base that allows you to relax, bond, and explore your destination. Whether you decide to stay in one place for a more laid-back experience or move around for a more adventurous journey, guided tours can take the stress out of the process. By minimizing accommodation switches and ensuring your stays are comfortable and convenient, we help you focus on what really matters—creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Let us handle the planning and logistics for you while you enjoy the journey!
