August 10, 2023 | View Online | Sign Up
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We talk about “getting away” when traveling, but let’s face it, most of us are welcomed at our destination by hoards of our own compatriots, screaming children, and the overwhelming feeling it’s not going to be the social reset you’d hoped.
For your next break, why not go really far away? Like, middle of nowhere, far away.
To help you escape, we’ve found some of the most remote accommodations out there. Make sure you pack a book; the Wi-Fi’s no good out here.
In this week’s newsletter:
How to avoid hotel junk fees
The most remote stays in the world
Music experiences with Motel 6
Cheers,
Steven
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| HOTEL NEWS
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5 Star Wars: The Hotels Strike Back
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We’ve reported on the rise of hotel junk fees and the government's attempts to nip them in the bud. Now, we’re looking at how hotels are responding with sneaky tactics and how you can fight back.
With support from the Biden administration, a bipartisan bill, which asks for more transparency from hotels regarding the prices consumers will be paying, is being pushed through the Senate. If successful, hotels and third-party travel websites would be required to disclose all fees on the front end instead of tacking them on at checkout or even at the front desk.
But recent reports suggest some properties have tried sneaky techniques to reframe the fees as a positive. Some examples offered by USA Today included one California hotel claiming to have created a fee guests will love–the $30 fee was mandatory and supposedly covered Metro tickets, free
e-charging, and a few other extras. The writer argued that if it were optional, it was great value, but when forced upon guests, it’s just dressing up a bad thing. Another rephrased its fees as a “mandatory destination fee.” Once again, these fees don’t actually exist.
🤔 Can you avoid them?
The short answer: it depends. There are some ways to dodge the fees, but they’ll only work in specific situations.
The best way to avoid them is to be thorough in your search. Good hotels will keep things on the table, while those happy to skew the ethics will tack them on later or, even worse, at the front desk. By actively searching for better hotels, unethical ones may feel more pressure. If they don’t, you can call them out on their technique and request a fee waiver.
Joining a loyalty program can also help avoid resort fees. Obviously, this only applies if you’re staying in a franchise you have a membership with, but as most are free to join, it wouldn’t be too hard to sign up before booking.
Last but not least, go on the offensive. Call the hotels out on their BS. Whether in person or on social media, this is one opportunity where making a (respectful) scene can help make a difference.
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| ALASKA ADVENTURE
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Visit Anchorage and Experience Alaska Like Never Before
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Glaciers, wildlife, and wide open spaces await you in Alaska, and there's no better way to
experience it all than with a trip to Anchorage.
This vibrant urban hub offers the perfect blend of city amenities and vast outdoor allure, making it easy to spend more time enjoying Alaska and less time navigating hotel transfers and luggage loading. Make Anchorage your base camp, then settle into the suite of your choice.
When it comes to accommodations, Anchorage offers more options than anywhere else in Alaska–which means visitors can find accommodations that fit any travel style and budget. Options range from name-brand hotels to boutique B&Bs, budget accommodations, and beyond. Book a Downtown Anchorage room wrapped in
panoramic mountain and ocean views, or relax at an alpine resort surrounded by all the scenic beauty of Chugach State Park.
Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping activities or serene moments surrounded by nature's
splendor, Anchorage has it all.
Your Alaska adventure awaits! Check out some of the best places to stay in Anchorage.
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| THIS WEEK'S PICKS: REMOTE RETREATS
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The Most Remote Stays in the World
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Day-to-day life might have you feeling like there’s not a shred of untouched. Even travel, especially to tourist hotspots, will have you feeling similarly. But with a little effort, anyone can find a slice of wild solace.
To help, we’ve curated a list of the planet's most remote (but wonderful) accommodations. From unspoiled stretches of Alaska to the pristine Bolivian Salt Plains, there’s a piece of isolated bliss for everyone.
These are the most remote stays in the world.
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| HOTEL NEWS
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You Can Rent Out an Entire Island in Scotland
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In keeping with this week’s theme of remote stays, a new Airbnb listing is garnering some well-earned attention. Why? Because it’s allowing you to rent out an entire Scottish island.
Heartachingly beautiful, the tiny four-acre island is just a short distance from the iconic island of Skye, which has had issues with over-tourism in the past years. The Airbnb is the perfect remedy for that, allowing guests to savor the spectacular setting with none of the crowds.
The home is a lighthouse cottage, presumably once used by the operator, and boasts four beautifully renovated bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom, allowing eight guests to enjoy the island. The kitchen and living spaces are equally well-designed, making for a wonderfully comfortable stay on the island.
The only way to get there is by boat from the Skye mainland, and it’s up to guests how much they want to make the trip. A highland pub on the shore is nearby, offering a tempting place to grab a drink or food, but with the kitchen well-fitted, there’s no real reason to leave.
Bookings start at around £550 ($700), but with a full house, that’s pretty good value for such a unique experience. Find out more here.
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING
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*This link is sponsored
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| WISH YOU WERE HERE
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The true meaning of getaway
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Amangiri | Utah
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