What's the difference between a great resort and and okay resort?
I’m pretty much a professional vacationer.
Lucky me, right?
It’s true. I’m very very blessed. I go on alot of trips. When I’m not ON a trip, I’m talking to other people about their trips. We talk about the differences between trips and try to choose a trip that will be a good fit.
One thing that comes up often is “What’s the difference between that expensive resort and the lower priced resort?” Some of the differences are quantifiable. (Like, for instance, one resort being on the beach and another not. Or, one resort having more restaurants than another resort.) Many of the differences, though, are much harder to explain.
So, on a recent trip I tried to take note of the differences. I made a whole list. As I reviewed it after the trip, I noticed a theme.
Basically, the differences between higher end and lower end resorts (or cruise lines) is that the lower end companies take extreme steps to protect themselves from tacky people.
A great example is the hanger in the picture at the top of this post. I learned while looking for this image that the round thing that goes around the pole in the closet (the part that doesn’t let you take the hanger out of the closet easily) is called a “captive hook”. I hate it when I am in a hotel room that has hangers like this. I’m not a hanger thief. I don’t feel like a welcomed guest if I am suspected of hanger thievery.
The same thing goes with a towel card. Listen, I don’t want your towel. I probably don’t have room in my suitcase anyway. Believe me, I was raised to know that it is unacceptable to steal the towels of my host.
Listen, when I’m paying to go to a place for my own enjoyment and relaxation, I want to feel welcomed and at home. I don’t want to feel like they’re watching me to make sure I don’t pocket the silver. I also don’t want to vacation around people who don’t know how to act. You don’t either.
Next time you’re making a decision about where you’ll spend you’re vacation, keep this in mind. There are differences in resorts beyond the ones you can easily measure. Take the word of a professional vacationer.
