For modern nomadism, affordable and comfortable accommodation plays a huge role in enabling remote flexibility. Depending upon budget, preferences and extent of stay, there are different arrangements they can choose from. Duration is a crucial factor since traditional hotels are financially viable only for the occasional short stay.
Below are some common accommodation options alongside their shortcomings.
Short Term Rentals
They are known for their easy availability, affordability and flexibility of options, offering everything from single rooms to entire apartments for days, weeks or even months.
But online bookings (in the case of Airbnb, for example) come with the risk of misrepresentation i.e. lived experience may fall short of expectation. Unsafe locations and inadequate safety measures within the property add to the risk. Their convoluted cancellation and refund policies also make them less than desirable.
Hostels & Guesthouses
These are both budget and exposure friendly, offering accommodation in dormitories and shared or private rooms equipped with communal kitchens, common rooms etc.
On the other hand, hostels operate on rules that may limit personal autonomy. Lack of security may endanger belongings, while the absence of hygiene and critical amenities can upset health and work quality. Finally, availability of rooms without booking well in advance cannot be counted on.
Serviced Apartments
For nomads who wish to combine the comforts of a home with hotel-like ease, service apartments that are fully furnished with housekeeping, utilities, and amenities like workspace, gym, etc. are the go-to option.
However, they are very costly with limits on stay duration. Despite being fully equipped, the quality of services and amenities may be affected by neglected maintenance and cleanliness issues. Inconvenient locations are another drawback.
Couch-surfing
As an alternative accommodation option which entails nomads staying without paying at the homes of local people, couch-surfing is a great way to get exposed to diverse cultures and cut costs while enjoying the comfort of a home.
On the flipside, availability of ‘couches’ during peak season and at popular destinations is likely to be very low. It is also difficult to completely rely on hosts, making safety a big issue. The quality of host-amenities may fail to meet traveller’s expectations. Cultural, personality and lifestyle differences may also lead to incompatibility.
House-sitting
In this case, travellers take care of a house while its owners are away.
Such opportunities tend to be limited to begin with and also entail high competition. House-sitting comes with caretaking responsibilities that may restrict travel plans and interfere with personal routine. Since the travellers’ stay is entirely dependent upon the homeowner’s plans, house-sitting is an unstable option with fluctuating durations. The unfamiliar environment adds uncertainty to the mix and trust levels between owner and sitter play a huge role in the quality of freedom available to the sitter.
Having discussed these options and their drawbacks, it is now time for us, at Indie Stays, to introduce our own accommodation designed keeping the above problems in mind. Neither extravagant like hotels, nor restrictive like hostels, Indie Stays is where modern nomads stay like themselves, comfortable in their own skin.
Accommodation at Indie Stays include:
- availability of everything from cosy private rooms to shared dorms that are tailored to suit diverse needs, preferences and budgets.
- basic amenities such as USB charging points, mini-refrigerators, air-conditioners, smart TVs, tea and coffee makers, hair-dryers, ironing boards and housekeeping
- high-speed Wi-Fi for remote working
- Safe Box and Key Card Access to ensure absolute security of belongings
- Easy check-in, check-out, cancellation and refund policies
- access to our common living room usable as both a communal and a co-working space as per preference.
Hence, at Indie Stays, modern nomads will not only be spoilt for choice of accommodation but will have all their needs taken care of through the tools we offer them to Work, Play, Create, Greet and Meet and so forge their path forward.
