4 Best Places to Stay on Vacation

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One of the major costs involved in a vacation is the accommodations. With so many options out there, it’s tough to figure out the best place to stay on vacation. In this article, I’ll compare pros and cons of all the most popular options so you can decide the best place to stay on vacation.

As we roll into 2023, we are all itching for the opportunity to see anything that isn’t the four corners of our house. After being trapped in a singular location for the better half of three years, we NEED some vacation time.

But before you go, you need to decide exactly what type of accommodations you’re going to go with. Allow me to help you decide the best place to stay on vacation.

What is the best option?

I’d love to sit here and announce the best place for you to stay on vacation, but I can’t do that.

Why?

Because “the best” is a matter of opinion based on your specific situation and circumstances.

When I travel, I’m either traveling alone or with my boyfriend and our dog. You might be traveling with your kids, your parents, or your extended family.

I’m usually looking for quiet cabin in the woods vibes, whereas you might be looking for a skyscraper in the city.

I can’t decide the best place for you to stay on vacation, but I can certainly give you all the information so you can decide on your own.

So, let’s begin breaking down the different places you could choose to stay on vacation.

Airbnb

Does anybody remember when Airbnb first came out? It was ALL THE RAGE.

We all stopped saying “let’s find a hotel” and started saying “just book an Airbnb”.

Airbnb absolutely exploded after its initial release, and for good reason.

Not only did the Airbnb platform allow you to stay in some awesome places, it also allowed you to do it for a respectable price. Every budget traveling guru out there was recommending Airbnb.

Several years later, as the Airbnb platform has grown exponentially, there have been some slight changes from that original roll out.

Let me break down the pros and cons to booking an Airbnb for your next vacation.

Airbnb Pros

• You can stay in very unique places, including everything from castles to tiny houses.
• You can have private accommodations and amenities, such as a private fire put, outdoor shower, or hot tub.
• You usually have all the comforts of home, such as a kitchen or laundry.
• You can set your travel dates to be flexible.
• You have the peace of mind of AirCover – a type of insurance from Airbnb that guarantees you can get checked in, the accommodation is exactly as advertised, and you feel safe.
• You have the opportunity to find accommodations that you wouldn’t have normally come across, such as campground cabins or Bed & Breakfasts.
• You are usually supporting additional income for someone as they rent out their beach house or extra living space.
• Easier to travel with large families.
• Airbnb partnered with Ibotta and Fetch to make it possible for you to get free gifts cards towards your stay.

Airbnb Cons

• As Airbnb has grown in popularity, it has also grown in price. Airbnb is no longer the go-to budget travel option that it used to be.
• Airbnb has a lot of hidden fees that are not included in the advertised cost of the room. The “final price” you see before you hit the “book now” button may not be the actual final price.
• As the income potential was realized, there was a lot of real estate entrepreneurs buying properties to be used for Airbnb specifically. This puts an additional strain on the already dire housing crisis we are facing.
• The only service you get with Airbnb is a place to stay. Airbnb does not usually operate like a typical Bed & Breakfast or hotel, meaning there is no cleaning or meal service included. However, there are exceptions to that.
• Even though you are charged a cleaning fee, there are usually certain “chores” you have to do before leaving an Airbnb to avoid being charged.

I don’t think anyone can deny that Airbnb is the most popular and well-known travel accommodation platform out there, but just be careful to consider all the pros and cons before booking your Airbnb.

For some money saving Airbnb hacks, check out this article from I Like to Dabble.

Do you think that Airbnb is the best place to stay on vacation? Keep reading to see other options!

VRBO

VRBO is short for Vacation Rentals by Owner. It is basically Airbnb’s middle child sibling.

Ya know, just as amazing but often ignored?

However, with over 2 million vacation rentals to choose from, you are guaranteed to find accommodations that will work for you.

Let me break down the pros and cons for booking your next vacation with VRBO.

Pros

• You can find some very unique accommodations, such as houseboats and caravans.
• VRBO gives you another way to search for resorts and hotels.
• You can have private accommodations and amenities, such as a private hot tub or porch.
• You can have all the comforts of home, such as a kitchen or laundry.
• There are several filters to choose from, such as pet friendly or free cancellations.
• You don’t have to enter travel dates. You can enter a location, find a VRBO you like, then determine what time to travel there.
• VRBO tends to be a little on the cheaper side compared to Airbnb.
• When you are given a final price, that will include all fees AND taxes.
• Hosts usually list their vacation rental across both platforms. You may be able to find the same rental on VRBO for a lower price.
• Easier to travel with larger families.

Cons

• VRBO does not give you the option to be flexible with your dates. So, you have to know exactly when or where you’re traveling.
• VRBO does not operate like a typical hotel or Bed & Breakfast. There are usually no meals or cleaning service involved.
• There are extra fees that are not included in the cost of the room, usually a cleaning and a service fee.
• VRBO does not offer any umbrella insurance. The insurance has to be provided by the host.

VRBO has definitely been gaining popularity in the past few years and for good reason.

You can find some unique places to stay, while also saving a few dollars over Airbnb prices.

Maybe VRBO is the best place to stay on vacation. However, we do have a few more options.

Hotels

Hotels are the tried-and-true vacation accommodations. Even though they have decreased in popularity due to sites like Airbnb and VRBO, they are still the easiest hassle-free option for travel accommodations.

As far as vacation accommodations go, we have really come full circle back to hotels. It was your only accommodation option for a long time, then entered Airbnb and VRBO. Now that Airbnb and VRBO have increased in popularity, and therefore price, a lot of travelers are booking hotels again.

What exactly are the pros and cons to booking a hotel?

Pros

• There are several services and amenities included, such as breakfast, cleaning, a gym, and a full-time concierge staff.
• Prices are usually lower because they have more income potential (100 rooms X 30 days a month instead of 2 rooms x 30 days a month)
• All cleaning and service fees are included in the rate you are given. The only fee added is Uncle Sam’s cut.
• There is usually a designated workspace in each room.
• No chores or check out obligations. You can pick up all your personal belongings and head out.
• If you use sites like Hotels.com or Expedia.com, you can easily find a discount code or reduced rate.
• Become a member at a hotel or hotel booking site so you can save up to 25% on each booking.
• There are several standing discounts, such as military or teacher discounts. (Be sure to use those links if you like saving 10%)
• Most hotels or hotel booking sites will allow you to earn a free night after staying at participating hotels so many times.
• Booking sites such as Hotels.com have partnered with Ibotta and Fetch to allow you to earn free gift cards towards hotel bookings.
• The opportunity to meet other travelers on the road.
• Great option for a place to “just sleep”. If you’re planning on adventuring all day, hotels are a great frugal option for a place to just lay your head.
• Hotel bathroom lighting makes for great selfies.

Cons

• The opportunity for unique accommodations is limited (but not impossible).
• You won’t get certain private amenities, such as a private hot tub or fire pit.
• Less privacy overall.
• Basic hotels usually do not offer the comforts of home, such as a kitchen or laundry.
• Harder to travel with larger families without getting multiple rooms.

Hotels are the OG accommodations for traveling. With so many pros to booking a hotel, the top of the list being a reduced cost, they are making their way back to popularity again.

For more hotel saving hacks, check out this article from Making Sense of Cents.

Campgrounds

If you don’t own a travel trailer or RV, you’ve probably never thought about staying at a campground for vacation.

That makes perfect sense.

However, a lot of campgrounds offer several accommodation options – not just places to park an RV!

You can find some awesome cabins, yurts, or even teepees at campgrounds. Check out this one we stayed at in Idaho after visiting Grand Teton National Park.

What are the pros and cons of staying at a campground on vacation?

Pros

• Endless activities! If you have kids, campgrounds are filled with endless activities and areas for them to explore.
• An opportunity to meet other travelers.
• Full-time staff on site to help with any issues.
• Reasonable prices on cabins that can sleep multiple people.
• Campgrounds usually have some pretty awesome views.
• A lot of campgrounds have pools and hot tubs you can use.
• Security. Some campgrounds are gated or require a pass to get in.

Cons

• Can be loud depending on who you get as neighbors.
• You sometimes have to bring your own bedding and toiletries.
• Be careful when booking. Some accommodations are off grid and do not provide electricity.

If you’ve never owned a travel trailer or RV, campgrounds would never cross your mind as the best place to stay on vacation.

They do, however, provide a unique experience that you may have never considered before.

What is the best place to stay on vacation?

As I said earlier, I can’t just come out and tell you where the best place to stay on vacation is.

Our circumstances and situations are very different. The best option for me may not be the best option for you.

The best place to stay on vacation could also change depending on the vacation. A hotel might be best for traveling by yourself or with your partner, whereas VRBO might be best for traveling with kids or extended family.

Whatever accommodation you decide on, you are now armed with the knowledge you need to pick the best Airbnb, VRBO, hotel, or campground for you.

Happy traveling everyone!