Canadians love to travel. How much so? According to the following data collected by Statistics Canada - a whole lot.
Be it sightseeing, day-trips or week-long visits, most Canadians would agree that they enjoy vacations. What they may disagree on, however, is where to stay while they're away: A resort or a vacation rental house.
Whether you're headed on an African safari or have your sights set on the enticing beaches and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, there's no denying resorts have their advantages. Chief among them is the fact that they're often all-inclusive, meaning all the food and fun-filled activities you could possibly want are available as part of the package.
While there are many perks to resort life, many vacationers would argue that booking a vacation property is your best bet. Here are a few reasons why:
Options Galore
If choice and availability are what you're after, vacation rentals can't be beat. Regardless of where you travel, there are dozens upon dozens of owner-rented properties available throughout the year.
This is particularly true in the era of Airbnb and VRBO. Short for Air Bed and Breakfast and Vacation Rental By Owner, these online rental portals have a vast reach. For example, Airbnb listings are available in over 190 countries and approximately 81,000 cities. On average, around two million people worldwide stay in an Airbnb each night. VRBO casts a similarly expansive net. According to the company's website, listings are also found in more than 190 countries with over two million rentals for travellers to select from.
Stunning views are among the many benefits of renting out a property on vacation.
Highly Affordable
If you're like most Canadians, you probably spend your money with an eye toward budgeting, ensuring you have enough funds to spread around for both necessary and discretionary expenses. But be prepared to spend big bucks if your travels involve a resort, as a family of four will spend several thousands of dollars just for a few nights.
Vacation properties, on the other hand, tend to be much lighter on the wallet. According to a study conducted by Montreal-based travel firm Busbud, Airbnb rates often rival what it costs to rent out a hotel room. In fact in several cities including Toronto, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York City Airbnb's cost less on a per-night basis.
More Privacy
Whether you're travelling solo, with a significant other or the whole family, privacy is an all-important component of getting away. But you're unlikely to find much of it on a resort, as meals tend to be served at specific times and the amenities like pools and spas are typically communal.
You get to decide what time you'll be eating and what will be on your family's menu. Does your spouse or kids have an allergy to a particular ingredient or food? You know your loved ones best and can make the appropriate modifications to meal planning as necessary.
It's a different story with vacation rentals. The luxury of having your own kitchen means you can decide what and when you want to eat. And with the flexibility to choose your own activities, you can avoid busy times and crowded areas. You're likely to appreciate the memories of a more relaxing time spent with your loved ones for years to come.
Home Away From Home
As nice as it is to get away from the routine, there's something really special about the familiar. There's no denying that hotel rooms at resorts can have a homey feel, but it's nothing like the coziness that's found within the serene confines of a rental. Whether you're staying in a secluded cabin, an airy beach house or a modern loft in the heart of a bustling city, there's just something about that "home away from home" feeling that cant be beat.
No matter what your vacation looks like, make sure travel insurance is coming along for the trip. Things happen while you're away, whether they be inconveniences - such as cancelled flights and lost luggage - to the more serious incidents, like a major injury or illness. Travel insurance can keep you covered when your vacation doesn't go exactly as you planned.
Contact GMS Health and Travel Insurance and get a quote today.