By Rachel Silver, MS Student, Agricultural Education, University of Florida
Reviewed by Ricki McWilliams, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, University of Florida Extension, Walton County
Many people may think they don’t have the money to go on vacation, or that there are no affordable places to stay. Some imagine traveling as something that is a luxury that must be saved up for–which in many cases, it is. However, bed and breakfasts (B & B’s) offer many great features and can be quite affordable, yet are often overlooked.
B & B’s originated in Britain and became common in America after industrialization and during the Great Depression. There are over 17,000 of these establishments in the United States, so there is probably one very close to you or close to your desired location.
B & B’s offer an affordable and unique travel experience with more local flavor without requiring travelers to sacrifice quality. Staying in one guarantees an interesting or different experience for you and your family, and supports the local economy. Often the owners are able to provide information about the community that only a local would know, such as details about deals and coupons or suggestions for local restaurants and attractions, and may even have a partnership established with local businesses. Almost 40% of B & B’s carry a “historical designation,” yet these interesting places to stay still provide current luxuries (e.g., Internet, robes, games, books, computer room, kitchen, TVs, refrigerators).
The average daily rate of a room in a B & B is $150. This may seem like a lot, but many offer specials or coupons that make the price very reasonable. In my travels, I have found B & B’s for less than $100 per night, and often around $50. In my experience, hotel chains are generally not as open to bargaining and price reductions as B & B’s. There are dozens of travel websites that specialize in helping you find a comfortable, interesting, and affordable B & B that fits your priorities. My favorite is bedandbreakfast.com.
If you’re concerned about cost (and who isn’t?), remember that planning is the key to an affordable trip. If you’re willing to be flexible and travel during untraditional vacation times, you can save money. Research is important, too. Spend a few minutes finding bed and breakfasts in your desired location, then go to their specific website. You may find they offer discounts based on age or at certain times of the year. Some may offer a very reasonable price if you book the day of, and others may offer great deals if you book months ahead of time. Many offer discounts for veterans, especially on Veterans Day. Check out this website to see where these special veterans’ deals are located.
Getting away just for a weekend is a great way to relax anytime. If you do your research, bed and breakfasts can make your experience unique, memorable, and affordable.
(Photo credit: 1997 Amelia Island 3 by anoldent. CC BY 2.0. Cropped.)
References:
Bed and Breakfast Inns Press FAQ (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/about/pressfaq.aspx
B&Bs for Vets. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.betterwaytostay.com/bbs-for-vets/
Morales, P. (n.d.). Bed and Breakfast. Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.sbdcnet.org/small-business-research-reports/bed-and-breakfasts
The B&B Industry – PAII. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.innkeeping.org/?The_Industry
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