In the current economic climate, more and more families are finding it harder to afford that annual vacation. As finances become tighter, the family vacation is one of the first luxuries that end up being sacrificed. It is no wonder that many hotels and vacation facilities are seeing a decline in visitors at present and some of them are struggling to continue trading. Many families are considering camping and self catering options when it comes to their time away and some are even staying at home until the financial situation is more stable and interest rates drop. With some small companies going into closure there are many people who are struggling to find employment, especially in sectors such as construction where the instability is really being felt. So what alternatives are people considering when it comes to their vacations? One sector which seems to be hanging on and riding out the economic storm is that of the smaller hotel. The bed and breakfast trends at the moment are showing that these establishments of 8 or less letting rooms seem to be coping quite well.

There are a number of reasons for their ability to manage in this less than favourable economic climate. One of the main factors is their suitability for short visits. If you are unable to afford a whole week or fortnight package vacation, you can be more flexible when booking at a bed and breakfast hotel. Short stays of only a couple of nights are possible and this can mean not only smaller bills, but less time taken off work… essential if you are self employed or do not have any paid vacation time from the your employer. Bed and breakfast trends show that most people only actually stay at the establishment for two or three nights.

Another factor that causes the bed and breakfast trends to be favourable is the fact that many people stay in these establishments for reasons other than vacation. It may be for a short stay to visit relatives for a family party or perhaps a wedding. Bed and breakfast hotels are usually ideally placed in rural areas where it is sometimes difficult to find a hotel and those in smaller towns may end up being the only option if you need to stop over for a visit. Very often, even a recession will not be reason enough to miss out on a good family get together or wedding.

Nearly 90% of bed and breakfast hotel owners are resident on the property and very often the letting rooms are an integral part of what was their family home. Because of this they do not have to consider some of the increasing rents that some slightly larger establishments are currently suffering. Many of their homes are already paid for and they have converted some of the family home into bed and breakfast facilities following the departure of a grown up family. This being the case, they are economically more able to keep the business going even if times get a little hard and the bed and breakfast trends are showing that they seem to be coping.

As small businesses which are run independently by the owners, often you will find that they are able to offer some incentive to encourage people to book. It may be free breakfast or internet access. There is usually something that they can come up with which will set them apart at very little cost to themselves. Another benefit which may influence the bed and breakfast trends is the fact that, if it is owned by a couple, one of them may well have a job which will help to see them through a time when their income from the bed and breakfast is not as good as it could be.

If you’re seeking distinctive lodging with personalized service, a bed and breakfast inn may be your best solution. There are some important considerations you need to be aware of, however. BEFORE you make your reservation, think about the following:

Do you have allergies?

Ask the innkeepers if they can provide specialized meals. If you are allergic to smoke, make sure that the inn is smoke-free. Pet allergies? Be certain that the bed and breakfast doesn’t allow pets.

Do you intend to travel with children?

Many inns do not allow children. Fine antiques, plush wallpaper, thick carpets, and original artwork may not be compatible with little fingers. Be aware of the inn’s policy regarding children.

 Are you taking a pet with you?

The majority of bed and breakfasts are hesitant to allow pets. Even a teacup Yorkie or kitten can quickly do hundreds of dollars worth of damage to furniture, window treatments, wall coverings, and bedding. If the innkeepers will not allow pets, they may be able to recommend a nearby kennel or boarding facility.

 Will you be arriving late?

Most small bed and breakfasts are home businesses managed by the innkeepers themselves. If the innkeepers are in bed by ten p.m. they might not be enthusiastic about guests arriving at midnight. If you plan on arriving at a specific time and are delayed, be courteous and call ahead. This means some forethought on your part. Ensure that the inn’s contact information is in a pocket, purse, wallet, or easily-reached piece of luggage.

Will you have a private bathroom?

Don’t wait until you arrive to discover that you will be sharing a bathroom with other guests. Private baths are becoming more common nowadays, including accommodations with ensuite baths; however, there are still many inns with rooms operating in ‘shared-bath’ mode.

What kind of breakfast do they serve?

Breakfast menus can range from muffins, juice, and coffee to multi-entree gourmet breakfasts. Some inns (usually the larger ones) also offer additional meals – typically not included in the nightly rate.

What is the cancellation policy?

Last-minute cancellations can really hurt your wallet! Unlike hotels, bed and breakfasts have a limited number of rooms and almost always charge for cancellations. Normally, the sooner you cancel the better. If you wait until the week before your vacation to cancel, you might be required to pay for the entire stay. Travel insurance will often cover the fees. (Read the fine print of your policy to be sure.)

Ask the right questions, be prepared, and have a wonderful, relaxing stay!

Whether you are travelling for leisure or business, a major component of your travels are the lodgings that you are staying with. If the accommodation is of a lesser standard than expected, this can negatively impact upon the entirety of the trip. Where motels and hotels have dominated the mainstream accommodation market over the past several decades, the emergence of bed and breakfasts as a viable alternative is providing tourists and business travellers with not only another accommodation option, but in many cases, a superior accommodation alternative.

How to locate these establishments and then choose which one bests suits your requirements has lead to the development of some thoroughly researched and comprehensive directories. These directories can be found online and most are complemented by a hard copy edition which at times is much easier to access than the online version, if you happen to be out of cellphone range or do not have access to the internet. You can also make annotations in the hard copy version if you need to keep a note about a particular establishment.

Being patronised repeatedly by millions of travellers every year, Bed and Breakfasts are renowned for their historic charm, personal service and majestic grounds. They are often situated away from busy central areas to provide a peaceful and relaxing stay; but are also conveniently located nearby to many local attractions, activities and services. With the modern Bed and Breakfast reacting to the needs of the modern customer, they are now providing the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary services which include wi-fi internet, business and laundry services, the provision of on-site catering which provides the guest with freshly prepared meals, as well as the traditional cooked and continental breakfast options which have become notorious with this style of accommodation.

With all accommodation types, however, there are a large number of providers and differing levels of service and amenities. Reputable directories will provide an easy to follow guide of the services, amenities, room rate and any official grading that the lodging has. Using standardised information you can easily see which provider has the room size, facilities and location you require to assist with booking the perfect bed and breakfast for you.

Leading Bed and Breakfast Directories provide all the information you require to make an informed decision about where you will stay, based on your own personal requirements. Being available in print formats, they are able to be carried on your person and provide a valuable reference point for all your accommodation requirements. Furthermore, leading Bed and Breakfast Directory publishers have recognised the importance and convenience factor of having an online presence and have developed customised websites that provide an online resource for the perusing and booking of Bed and Breakfasts throughout the world.