Opening Chat

Looking through my travel notes from recent years brings back so many memories! During each trip, besides the stunning attractions and delicious food, what left the deepest impression on me was often the accommodation experience. Think about it - having a comfortable and cozy "home" in a foreign land at night creates an indescribably wonderful feeling!

As an experienced traveler who has been exploring since college, over the past decade I've stayed in ultra-luxury hotels and hostel bunk beds; experienced Japanese capsule hotels and counted stars in tents in the Sahara Desert. Each type of accommodation has left me with unique memories and made me deeply realize: choosing the right place to stay can truly elevate the entire journey's experience by several levels.

The Way of Hotels

When it comes to accommodation, many people's first thought might be hotels. But today's hotel market is very different from before. Young people are no longer satisfied with traditional standardized lodging experiences, but rather seek personalization and experiential stays. For instance, recent data I saw showed that the global hotel market size reached $572 billion in 2023, and interestingly, boutique hotels focusing on unique experiences are growing three times faster than traditional chain hotels!

Last year I stayed at an incredibly artistic boutique hotel in Kyoto - I could talk about its design for three days and nights. The room was only 30 square meters, but the designer was so talented, perfectly blending Japanese aesthetics with modern art. What amazed me most was the bathroom - while soaking in the tub you could see Mount Fuji through floor-to-ceiling windows, it was absolutely incredible! Every corner of the room was carefully designed, even the towel placement exuded aesthetics.

Staying in such hotels, you'll find that accommodation itself is an enjoyment. Waking up in the morning, sunlight filters through the shoji paper onto the tatami, with Mount Fuji faintly visible - the scene is as beautiful as a ukiyo-e painting. Returning to your room at night, taking a hot bath while listening to local music, your whole being can relax.

However, when it comes to boutique hotels, price is indeed something to consider. But I've discovered a trick: many boutique hotels offer special packages during off-seasons, some including spa or dining experiences. If you plan your trip ahead and travel during off-season, you can often enjoy premium experiences at regular prices.

Moreover, many boutique hotels now focus on social media marketing, frequently posting promotions on Instagram or Xiaohongshu. By following the official accounts of several desired hotels, I've managed to snag several super value deals. I remember once staying at a famous cliff hotel in Bali - normally several thousand per night, but because I caught their anniversary promotion, I only paid a third of the regular price, what an amazing deal!

Thoughts on Guesthouses

Honestly, I've grown increasingly fond of staying at guesthouses in recent years. Today's guesthouses are no longer simple family inns, but have become a unique lifestyle experience. According to Airbnb's latest data, over 70% of travelers prefer accommodations that reflect local characteristics - this number doesn't surprise me at all.

I'll never forget the farmhouse guesthouse I stayed at in Tuscany last year. It was a 200-year-old house, owned by an incredibly sweet Italian grandfather who used to be the owner of a famous local winery. Every morning, the entire estate was filled with the aroma of freshly baked Florentine bread. I especially loved sitting on the terrace early in the morning, watching the Tuscan mist slowly dissipate as distant vineyards sparkled in the sunlight.

The evening times were the best. The host would organize wine tasting sessions for guests, where everyone would hold their wine glasses, gather under the estate's olive trees, and listen to the old grandfather tell stories about Tuscan history. Sometimes as we chatted, other guests would share their travel experiences, creating a particularly warm atmosphere. I remember one evening, we even made dumplings together! Imagine the scene - in a countryside estate in Italy, travelers from around the world learning to make dumplings from a Chinese girl speaking broken English - it was absolutely hilarious!

Another advantage of choosing guesthouses is that hosts often provide local insider tips. For instance, during my stay in Tuscany, following the grandfather's recommendations, I found several hidden gem restaurants in the alleys. One noodle shop tucked away in an inconspicuous corner served the best beef noodles I've ever had in Italy, bar none! Without a local's recommendation, I would never have found such places.

However, there are some details to pay attention to when staying at guesthouses. First, carefully read the reviews, especially regarding location, cleanliness, and host response speed. Second, confirm check-in time with the host in advance, as many guesthouses are personally managed by the hosts, so it's more convenient to arrange times beforehand. Also, pay attention to house rules - some guesthouses may have special regulations, such as no pets or no indoor smoking.

Student Accommodations

For those looking to study abroad or undertake short-term programs, student accommodations are definitely worth considering. According to latest data, campus accommodation satisfaction rates at major universities in Europe and America reached 85% in 2023, and this number continues to rise. As someone with firsthand experience, I don't think this satisfaction rate is exaggerated at all.

During my studies at Cambridge University last year, I stayed in a historic student residence. Though the room wasn't large and the facilities weren't as luxurious as hotels, the experience was truly special. Every morning when I opened the window, I could see century-old trees and ancient red brick buildings, and at night, I could hear the clock tower chiming - it felt like traveling back several centuries.

The biggest advantage of staying in student accommodations is experiencing genuine student life. My roommates came from around the world - a computer genius from India, a music graduate student from Brazil, and a physics doctoral student from Germany. Every night, we would cook together in the communal kitchen, share foods from our countries, and discuss our cultures. Sometimes we'd chat until midnight, and though we'd be exhausted for class the next day, those cross-cultural exchange experiences were truly precious.

Moreover, student accommodations offer great value for money. Taking my Cambridge experience as an example, staying at a hotel in the same location would have cost at least three times more. While the accommodation conditions might not be as luxurious, all basic living facilities were complete. Laundry rooms, kitchens, common rooms were all available, and some residences even had gyms and music practice rooms.

However, applying for student accommodation requires advance planning. Many famous universities' student residences are in high demand, especially those historic buildings, often requiring applications six months or even earlier in advance. Also, some residences may require you to be an enrolled student or visiting scholar to apply. So if you want to experience student accommodation, make sure to do your research well in advance.

Transportation Tips

After discussing accommodation, let's talk about transportation. Transportation methods are becoming increasingly diverse. According to the 2023 Global Transportation Report, high-speed rail has become the main force in intercity travel, with over 60% of passengers choosing high-speed rail, and this percentage reaches 80% in Asia.

As a dedicated train enthusiast, my favorite way to travel Europe is by train. Last year I bought a Eurail Pass and traveled from Paris to Budapest - that experience was one of the best memories in my travel career. Today's high-speed trains can reach 350 kilometers per hour, making Paris to Amsterdam possible in just 3 hours, more convenient than flying.

The biggest advantage of train travel is enjoying the scenery along the way. I'll never forget the journey from Zurich to Milan - the train weaving through the Alps, with snow-capped mountains and verdant meadows outside the window, occasionally spotting wooden cabins scattered among the mountains - the scenery was almost unreal. Plus, the dining cars are interesting, each country having its own specialties. German trains with their beer and sausages, French trains with their wine and cheese - all very authentic experiences.

However, there are some details to note when traveling by train. First, buy tickets in advance, especially for popular routes - the earlier you book, the cheaper it is. Second, mind the time - European trains are generally very punctual, so arrive at the station early. Also regarding luggage, while train luggage restrictions are more lenient than planes, it's not recommended to bring too much as you'll need to carry it yourself.

If time permits, I especially recommend buying a Eurail Pass. These passes allow unlimited train travel within participating countries during a specified period. While the initial investment might seem large, it's actually very cost-effective if planned well. Today's Eurail passes even have mobile apps, making booking and inquiries very convenient. Last time I used a youth ticket - there are special discounts for under 28s, which saved quite a bit of money.

City Walks

When moving around cities, I think it's essential to experience the local public transportation system. Among the world's top ten cities, public transport usage averages 65%, which reflects the convenience of public transportation. Take Tokyo's subway - its punctuality rate reaches 99.9%, an astounding figure.

Last year in Budapest, I particularly enjoyed their Bubi bike-sharing system. The entire Budapest has over 158 bicycle stations and 2,300 public bicycles. Best of all, these stations are distributed very sensibly, generally found near major attractions and metro stations. My favorite was cycling along the Danube River in the evening. The sunset by the river was particularly beautiful, shining on Budapest's historic buildings, bathing the entire city in golden light.

Budapest's bicycle lanes are also very user-friendly, mostly dedicated lanes separated from motor vehicles, making cycling particularly safe. I remember once cycling to Budapest's largest thermal bath, meeting a group of local cycling enthusiasts on the way who enthusiastically invited me to ride together and took me to some places tourists rarely visit.

Speaking of public transportation, I must mention various cities' transit card systems. Many cities now offer transit cards specifically for tourists, usually covering subway, bus, tram, and other forms of transportation, some even including attraction ticket discounts. For example, the Vienna Pass not only allows unlimited metro and tram rides but also free entry to many museums - it's truly a money-saving tool.

However, safety should be noted when using public transportation. Although public transport in most cities is very safe, be aware of theft, especially in tourist-concentrated areas. My advice is to keep valuables in body-worn bags and wear backpacks in front. Also be mindful of peak hours - London Underground's morning and evening rush hours are particularly crowded, better to avoid these times if possible.

Concluding Thoughts

After so many years of traveling, I increasingly feel that accommodation and transportation in travel are about finding balance. Between comfort and experience, between budget and expectations, everyone can find their most suitable way. Sometimes staying in luxury hotels is nice, but sometimes staying with locals can bring more unforgettable memories.

The most beautiful thing about travel is that it allows us to step out of our daily comfort zones and experience different lifestyles. Whether drinking wine at an Italian farmhouse or staying up late chatting with roommates in an ancient Cambridge student residence, these experiences have given me new insights and understanding of life.

Actually, choosing accommodation and transportation methods somewhat reflects one's travel attitude. Some prefer luxury, staying in five-star hotels and flying first class; some prefer experiences, staying in guesthouses and taking trains; some prefer economy, staying in hostels and taking buses. But whatever method you choose, the most important thing is to make yourself happy - that's what travel is all about.

These years of travel experience have taught me that travel isn't just about seeing scenery, but more importantly about experiencing different lives. Sometimes, a cozy place to stay and a comfortable journey can make the entire trip more wonderful. Like the time I spent in that small Tuscan farmhouse - though it's been over a year, I still feel warm thinking about it.

Do you have any particularly memorable accommodation or transportation experiences? Next time I plan to talk about how to discover hidden food gems while traveling, after all, food is an essential part of travel - would you like to hear about it?