AAA classifies a Bed and Breakfast as a limited service lodging type with the following definition; "Usually smaller establishments emphasizing a more personal relationship between operators and guests, leading to an "at home" feeling. Guest units tend to be individually decorated. Rooms may not include some modern amenities such as television and telephones, and may have a shared bathroom. Usually owner-operated, with a common room or parlor, separate from the innkeeper's living quarters, where guests and operators can interact during evening and breakfast hours. Evening office closures are normal. A continental or full, hot breakfast is served and is included in the room rate." (Quoted from the AAA. "New York TourBook". Buffalo, NY: AAA Publishing. 1999)

Cabin accommodations are typically smaller buildings of simple construction in remote locations. They usually have their own cooking facilities.

A lodging consolidator is an entity who negotiates bulk contracts with hotels and other lodging establishments, and then sells that space to the general public, usually at a discount.

Regional travel guides with worldwide content, spanning a number of continents. These guides provide information on both hotels and vacation rental properties.

Small-scale accommodations located near the operator's lodgings, with a dining area for guests or self-contained kitchen and dining facilities.

Heritage Accommodations in a sentence? "To eat at the king’s table and to sleep in the queen’s bed." History defines us, as persons, countries and continents. History is not a dead notion, to be discovered in museums. You can actually live it. When travelling throughout the world, you can spend your nights in centuries old regal castles, noble palaces and (former) austere monasteries. Or in old manor houses that belong to the same family for generations, having been built by ancestors hundreds of years before. Or in the old house where your favourite writer created the novel that changed your life, enjoying the same view as you, in the morning. Your meals can be had where the monks cooked theirs, where the king was entertained when on visit, where the family has dined during these latest centuries. If you are serious about knowing that country you are planning to visit (or your own country), any country at all, you could consider scheduling at least a few days in these very special establishments, be them hotels, guesthouses or bed and breakfasts. In numerous cases, the prices will be surprisingly affordable and the experience memorable.

Home exchange is an arrangement where two parties (individuals or families) will trade their residences at a time that is convenient to both parties. Home exchange is most commonly used to reduce the costs for a vacation. Home exchangers avoid hotel bills, restaurant meals, and often local transportation costs when the use of a personal vehicle is included.

What is a Hospitality Club?

Members of a Hospitality Club offer hospitality to each other - be it a bed for the night or just a tour around town.

Usually this does not involve money. Some of the clubs require a payment to sign up or contact other members though. When known, this is listed in the description.

There are some general Hospitality Clubs that are open to anyone, and many that are for special interest groups only - gays, esperantists, hitchhikers, women, you name it.

While some clubs focus on the aspect of free accommodation, traditionally most organizations have been founded and run out of the motive of bringing people together to increase intercultural understanding and build peace. So the focus there can be more on the aspect of meeting people in places you visit.

Hostels are a unique form of accommodation unlike hotels or motels. They are unique in that nearly all facilities are shared with other guests. Rooms are dormitory style and are usually furnished with bunkbeds. Other areas such as bathrooms and lounges are shared as well. This shared facilities arrangement keeps the cost per guest low. More importantly, this arrangement creates a warm and welcoming communal camaraderie between guests. reference: www.hostels.com/faq.hostels.html

Using the AAA classification of a Hotel as a full service lodging type with the following definition; "Usually high-rise establishments, offering a full range of on-premises food and beverage service, cocktail lounge, entertainment, conference facilities, shops and recreational activities. Wide range of services provided by uniformed staff on duty 24 hours. Parking arrangements vary." (Quoted from the AAA. "New York TourBook". Buffalo, NY: AAA Publishing. 1999)

Using the AAA classification of a Country Inn as a moderate service lodging type with the following definition; "Although similar in definition to a bed and breakfast, country inns are usually larger in size, provide more spacious public areas and offer a dining facility that serves at least breakfast and dinner. May be located in a rural setting or downtown area." (Quoted from the AAA. "New York TourBook". Buffalo, NY: AAA Publishing. 1999)

AAA classifies a Lodge as a moderate service lodging type with the following definition; "Typically two or more stories with all facilities in one building, rustic decor. Located in vacation, ski, fishing, areas, etc. Usually has food and beverage service." (Quoted from the AAA. "New York TourBook". Buffalo, NY: AAA Publishing. 1999)

AAA classifies a Ranch as a moderate service lodging type with the following definition; "Often offers rustic decor treatments and food and beverage facilities. Entertainment and recreational activities are geared to a Western-style adventure vacation. May provide some meeting facilities." (Quoted from the AAA. "New York TourBook". Buffalo, NY: AAA Publishing. 1999)

Resorts are a destination for vacation travelers and those planning retreats, rather than simply being a place to stay while in an area. They offer features for holiday travelers over and above those provided by other lodgings. The amenities and surroundings of resorts are more important than the localities they're close to.

Listing of timeshare investments.

Treehouse vacations throughout the world

This category exists to provide links to continent level Vacation Rentals categories.