Why paying for your stay pays off
A new study on domestic travelling habits released by Roy Morgan Research shows that Australians prefer to stay in hotels, resorts and serviced apartments.
Rather than staying with a friend or family member in the area, the study shows that 47% of travellers will stay in a hotel, motel or rented accommodation option.
Even though those offers of staying with friends and family are genuine, and we'd usually love to catch up with them while away, there are definitely some good reasons why we’re choosing to pay, rather than bunk on a couch.
Location
For one, the location of your friends/family in the city might not be ideal. Not many people live in the centre of the city near to all the places you want to visit like restaurants, theatres, shopping areas and other popular tourist destinations.
Taking up the offer of a spare room might mean winding your way out to the suburbs on public transport and back again when you want to visit vibrant city centres.
Compare that to hotels, where you can often step out the front door and you're instantly where you want to be.
"Rather than staying with a friend or family member in the area, the study shows that 47% of travellers will stay in a hotel, motel or rented accommodation option."
Prioritise your independence
It's worth paying for your own space if it means that you can spread out and relax, knowing you're not intruding or holding someone else up when using the bathroom, kitchen or living areas.
No one likes feeling like a nuisance, so when we stay with others we're more likely to be a lot tidier, take shorter showers and get up and about earlier in the day - but a holiday is no time to be courteous!
Book in your own accommodation and enjoy a bath, leave your suitcase open without having to tidy it up, and sleep in as late as you want.
There's also the tendency for well-intentioned friends and family to recommend their favourite spots to visit. While some of these are worth considering, it can make for a tricky social situation when you have your own plans - especially if they wanted to come along!
That 'holiday' feeling
Staying in a hotel, motel or serviced apartment also just feels more like a holiday. Spending your break in a family home doesn't have that same 'holiday' atmosphere. Your accommodation choice doesn't have to be ritzy for it to feel like a novelty - everything from the white towels and reception desk help to make you feel as though you’re truly on a holiday.
For your own holiday feeling, Mantra offers an array of accommodation options around Australia so you can enjoy your break while staying in a central location and putting your independence first!