5 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Vacation Rental
While planning for our week-long Hong Kong trip earlier this year, I was once again faced with the challenge of looking for lodging options that can accommodate our small group, and more importantly, will fit our budget.
I've searched high and low for family rooms, but guesthouses were either already fully booked, rooms were not available for consecutive nights on our travel dates, hotel rates were waaay beyond our budget or the rooms available were not in accessible locations.
I decided to check on vacation rentals instead and that's how I discovered travelmob - an online marketplace where you can find and rent unique homes from local hosts across Asia Pacific.
After hours of going through their listings, here's 5 reasons why I think you should consider booking vacation rentals on your next trip:
I decided to check on vacation rentals instead and that's how I discovered travelmob - an online marketplace where you can find and rent unique homes from local hosts across Asia Pacific.
After hours of going through their listings, here's 5 reasons why I think you should consider booking vacation rentals on your next trip:
1. Perfect for families or groups of friends
Over a year ago, I went to Singapore with 6 other people, 3 senior citizens included. The country is already expensive to begin with so we ended up bunking in a backpackers' hostel.
It would've been okay, but because we were 7 in a 6-bedroom dorm, my mom and I had to share a single bed. While we saved on lodging cost, the setup wasn't very comfortable. We had to use a communal bathroom, too.
Pictured above are Hong Kong apartments with at least 2 rooms that can comfortably fit 6 or more people. I found several Hong Kong apartments that has a room with at least one bunk bed and with a sleeper sofa/sofa bed in the living room, too.
It would've been okay, but because we were 7 in a 6-bedroom dorm, my mom and I had to share a single bed. While we saved on lodging cost, the setup wasn't very comfortable. We had to use a communal bathroom, too.
Pictured above are Hong Kong apartments with at least 2 rooms that can comfortably fit 6 or more people. I found several Hong Kong apartments that has a room with at least one bunk bed and with a sleeper sofa/sofa bed in the living room, too.
2. Has amenities not available in most hotels
Most vacation rentals listed are equipped with a WiFi router, kitchen(ette) and/or laundry facilities - amenities that are either not offered or something that you need to pay for extra when staying in a hotel.
I think it's very practical if you're staying for more than a week (or two) because you can cook your own food instead of eating out. You can also travel light and save on baggage fees because you can do the laundry anytime. ;)
3. More space, privacy & personality
In first world, read relatively expensive, Asian countries where space is at a premium, it's inevitable that you will find yourselves in matchbox-like rooms. I once saw a Hong Kong guesthouse offering a single room that literally looked like a toilet - with tiled walls and exhaust fan - only with a bed instead of a toilet bowl. And don't get me started on the clinical-looking rooms.
Sure, you'll be out most of the day and working on a budget, but it wouldn't hurt to get yourself a decent place to sleep in after a long day.
For the same price as a hotel, booking a vacation rental actually gives you more space, therefore, giving you better value for your money.
Sure, you'll be out most of the day and working on a budget, but it wouldn't hurt to get yourself a decent place to sleep in after a long day.
For the same price as a hotel, booking a vacation rental actually gives you more space, therefore, giving you better value for your money.
4. Discover unique accommodations - boats, cottages, cabins, even treehouses!
Whether you're an intrepid traveler who wants to sleep under the stars while perched 23 feet up in the air in Bangkok or just want to spend some quality time with your significant other away from the tourist crowd of Bali, you can find awesome and unique vacation rentals that'll make your trip more memorable.
Traveling solo? Aside from apartment rentals, you can also book shared or private rooms.
A shared room means you’ll be sharing space with other travelers while a private is a room of your own. In some cases, the host will also be at the location while you're there.
In travelmob, you can check the property owner's profile, read previous guests' reviews and/or references and contact him/her directly if you need more information about their listing. Through a few message exchanges, you can then gauge if he/she will be a good host.
The host can offer invaluable insider tips on where to find the best places to eat, best bargains and off-the-beaten sites. In some cases, hosts also offer more personal service like free use of their bicycle or a local SIM card - things you'll never be able to experience in a hotel.
Remember, there's really no better way to learn about a new culture and gain a richer travel experience than from living with a local.
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And there you have it. I hope I've given you enough reasons to consider booking a vacation rental on your next trip.
iPhone/iPad user? travelmob listings can be right at your fingertips. Click the image below to download their mobile app.
iPhone/iPad user? travelmob listings can be right at your fingertips. Click the image below to download their mobile app.
And just for you, my dear readers, for a minimum booking fee of USD150.00, you'll get a USD35.00 discount by using the promo code below:
Excursionista35
Promo is valid until JUNE 15
K
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I guess you are right....looking at your photos, Taung Kalat appears more beautiful from afar.
ReplyDeleteHi, I've been lurking in your blog from time to time. I am also a budget traveler myself but I use AirBNB instead of Travelmob to book my accomodation in Hong Kong & Singapore. So far, I have saved much money in accomodation.
ReplyDeleteHi Joseline,
ReplyDeleteI'm Jen from travelmob. We hope you give travelmob a try on your future trips. We have unique home rentals that fit every budget all across Asia Pacific. Thanks!
That was a breathtaking Taung Kalat Monastery view. Hope to see Bagan someday.
ReplyDeleteHiya Jen, would like to try this as well. Noticed that the lodging owners also post in your website. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYup, there are lots of alternative lodging not available in the past. That's why traveling within budget set is so accessible unlike in the past.
That eco villa and treehouse look beautiful. I haven't been out of the country actually and I'm still wondering where should I go in my first trip abroad. But I'm sure going to check out travelmob for places to stay in when I do plan a trip. Finding a place to stay can be a real pain in the ass. But you're right, even when you're in a budget, one should get their money's worth.
ReplyDeleteHi Marjorie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by. :)
Yes, the eco villa is gorgeous no? :D I'm sure you can find a vacation rental fit for your requirements on travelmob when you finally go on that first overseas trip.
By the way, you should check out the local listings, too. They're ideal for staycations, slumber parties or for balikbayan family/friends. :)