Hi, I’m Liam. Last autumn I went to Lisbon for nine days, and I stayed in a small guesthouse in the old part of the city. It wasn’t a big hotel with a gym and a pool, but it had character. The building was old, with narrow stairs and high ceilings, and my room had wooden floors and a small balcony. I could see a bit of the river if I leaned over the railing. I chose that place because of the location. I wanted to be able to walk everywhere, and I really could. In the mornings I walked to cafés for coffee and pastries, then I took the tram to different neighbourhoods. In the evening I didn’t need to worry about transport because I could always walk back, even if it was late. The guesthouse was comfortable, but not perfect. The room was clean and the bed was fine, yet the sound insulation was weak. On my first night I could hear people talking in the corridor, and I woke up early because someone slammed a door. After that, I used earplugs and it was much better. Another small issue was the shower: the water pressure changed sometimes, especially when other guests were using water. The good part was the staff. They were friendly and gave me great tips, like which viewpoint was less crowded and where to eat seafood without paying tourist prices. They also arranged a taxi to the airport on my last day, so it was stress-free. Overall, it was a great stay: simple, central, and full of atmosphere. Next time I would still choose a guesthouse, but I might pick a room that faces the inner courtyard for more quiet.

Hello, I’m Sofia. On my last holiday I went to Japan for two weeks, and I stayed in two very different places. First, I stayed in a business hotel in Tokyo, near a big train station. The room was small, but it was extremely well organised. There was a desk, a mini fridge, and everything was clean and efficient. I was out most of the day, so I didn’t need a large room. What mattered was that it was easy to travel around the city. The biggest advantage was the transport. I could take trains and metro lines in any direction, and I saved a lot of time. The hotel also had a convenience store downstairs, so when I came back late, I could quickly buy water, snacks, or breakfast. The downside was that it felt a bit impersonal. It was comfortable, but it didn’t feel like a “holiday place.” Also, because it was close to the station, it was quite busy outside, and I could hear traffic in the mornings. In the second part of my trip I stayed in a traditional guesthouse in a small town near the mountains. That was my favourite part. I slept on a futon, wore slippers inside, and had breakfast with the host family. It felt calm and welcoming, and the view from the window was beautiful. However, it was less convenient. There weren’t many restaurants nearby, and buses didn’t run very often, so I had to plan my day carefully. For me, the perfect trip is a mix like this: a practical hotel in the city, and then a quieter, more local place to relax and experience everyday life.

Hi, I’m Ethan. This summer I did a road trip through northern Italy with two friends, and we stayed in several places: a campsite, an Airbnb apartment, and finally a small countryside hotel. Each one had its own pros and cons, and it made the trip more interesting. At the start we stayed at a campsite near Lake Garda. We had a tent, and the campsite had showers, a small shop, and a shared kitchen area. It was the cheapest option, and the atmosphere was fun. In the evenings people were cooking, talking, and playing music quietly. The problem was comfort. One night it rained heavily, and we spent an hour trying to keep our things dry. Also, after a long day of driving and walking, I sometimes just wanted a real bed. Then we stayed in an Airbnb in Verona for four nights. It was an apartment with two bedrooms and a living room, so we had space to relax. We cooked pasta, washed our clothes, and felt a bit more “at home.” The location was great too—close enough to walk to the centre, but not in the loudest area. The only issue was the check-in. The host was late, and we waited outside with our bags in the heat. After that, everything was fine, but it reminded me that apartments can be less predictable than hotels. At the end we stayed at a small hotel in the countryside, surrounded by vineyards. That was the most relaxing place. We had quiet nights, good breakfasts, and friendly staff. It cost more, but after a busy trip, it felt worth it. If I travel like this again, I’d still mix different places, but I’d plan the arrivals more carefully so we don’t lose time waiting.