What Are Aparthotels? Inside the New Rental Trend

Ever heard of aparthotels?

This novel new idea has been taking the travel world by storm over the last few years.

But the idea has been around since the 1980s. That’s when extended stay hotels first popped up, allowing travelers the opportunity to stay in more comfortable hotel rooms for longer periods.

Aparthotels function with the same philosophy—but they’re distinct from extended stay hotels.

An extended-stay hotel is designed like a temporary home with the amenities of a hotel. They usually have kitchenettes and basic living room features. When I stayed in an extended-stay hotel, I could even use its address for any official mail I needed to receive.

An aparthotel, by contrast, is a hybrid rental that offers all the amenities of a full apartment with the services of a hotel. Think of them like Airbnb rentals that come bundled with hotel services like cleaning, check-in, and basic concierge services.

But who are they designed for? And, most importantly, where can travelers start shopping around for them? Here’s what you need to know about aparthotels.

Why choose an aparthotel?

I recently returned from Milan where I stayed in the Heart Milan Apartments (San Sepolcro). The brand offers full aparthotel rentals for short-term periods—in my case, a three-night stay with my family.

I think that’s the main appeal of an aparthotel: Communal space. (And savings to a certain extent.)

Rather than rent three rooms at a hotel or pay an insanely exorbitant Airbnb fee, my family opted for a single aparthotel rental. It allowed us to hang out in the living room and handle breakfast with the fully stocked kitchen.

If you’re traveling for the purpose of spending quality time with family and/or friends, aparthotels offer a distinctly home-away-from-home feel. They’re also more elevated than Airbnbs in terms of features and design, but tend to include lower fees… even if you’re staying in the city-center like I was.

Unlike an Airbnb, the building is entirely rented out to other aparthotel guests. Aparthotels also offer a front desk that makes it easy to ask questions, check in and check out, store luggage, and more.

Why are aparthotels becoming more popular?

Based on the description above, you might still feel like aparthotels are basically just Airbnbs—except with a cleaning crew and a basic concierge.

I can’t argue with that logic. Aparthotels are very similar to Airbnbs.

That being said, they’re becoming more popular because of their distinctions from the DIY rental platform.

One of the primary reasons is cleaning. Aparthotels use cleaning crews, guaranteeing guests a clean check-in and stress-free checkout… all without the pricey add-ons.

On top of that, the savings are pretty steep. The location of the Heart Milan San Sepolcro put my family smack in the center of Milan’s busiest historic district next to the Duomo. And we paid a fraction of what we would have on either Airbnb or booking with a traditional hotel.

To be clear, we didn’t have any higher-end amenities like a pool, gym, or on-site restaurants. That being said, we didn’t need any of that. Our goal was to spend quality time together while enjoying the city from a central location.

Here’s a tighter summary of aparthotels:

They come in all shapes and sizes, but most are higher-end
They’re ideal for groups who want to lounge in a shared space
They’re also great for groups who don’t want any cleaning responsibility or check-in difficulties
They’re more affordable than many Airbnb options, especially where location is involved

Where can travelers shop for aparthotels?

Though aparthotels are distinct from Airbnbs, I’ve seen them offered on the website.

If you’re looking to book a place through Airbnb, I suggest Googling (or otherwise searching) with the keywords Airbnb, aparthotel, and your destination.

You can also use Google or another search engine to look for independent brands. For example, I found the Heart Milan apartments with a Google search, but ultimately booked through Expedia. Many aparthotels allow you to book directly through their website.

The easiest way to shop around for aparthotels is to use a search engine, then book through Expedia, Booking, Airbnb, or another booking site.

Your Guide to Great Red-Eye Flights

Red-eye flights are an interesting topic.

Some frequent flyers swear by red-eyes. They posit that overnight flights help them wake up at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Others avoid red-eye flights at all costs. Maybe they struggle to sleep on planes or have had bad experiences with red-eyes in the past. (After all, what’s worse than sitting in a plane in a half-state of dazed sleeplessness… for hours and hours on end?)

In reality, red-eyes can be a great solution for preventing jet lag and saving time while crossing time zones.

Assuming you know the basics, that is.

If you’re a little hesitant to take red-eyes or simply want to improve your red-eye routine, read the tips and tricks below. They’re taken from experienced flyers, airline staff, and travel experts.

First, let’s debunk the myths surrounding whether red-eye flights are risky for travelers.

Debunking the myth: are red-eye flights bad for you?

Maybe you’ve heard the myth that red-eyes are bad for you.

This notion is based on the idea that red-eye flights can interrupt our sleep schedules and add to the negative cumulative effects of air travel.

That’s not a far-off idea. Here’s the short of it: Our circadian rhythm gets thrown off when we switch time zones.

The disruption to our circadian rhythm negatively impacts our ability to sleep, eat, and even digest, causing issues like jet lag and constipation. Those two factors can have a serious impact on our trip’s outlook.

So, red-eyes can be bad for you assuming you don’t sleep on them. But assuming you do, red-eye flights are beneficial, increasing the time you spend asleep while being ferried around the world.

Traveling east vs. west: which is best for red-eye flights?

Let’s bust another myth related to red-eye flights.

Some people believe that red-eye flights are designed for eastward travel. So, if you’re jumping on a red-eye in Los Angeles, you’ll wake up in the ‘morning’ ready to land in New York City.

You’ve essentially slept through the night and woken up at your destination. The same is true for red-eye flights that take passengers from the East Coast over to Europe, too.

Is it absolutely necessary to fly east on a red-eye? No.

But it doesn’t usually work better for our circadian rhythms—so if you’re a little nervous about taking a red-eye, I suggest trying your first flight on an eastward route.

Tips for great red-eye flights

Before the flight

Book a flight that’s closest to your bedtime. As you’ll see with the advice below, you’re more likely to sleep if you can pretend you’re on your regular sleep routine.
Pay extra beforehand to select a seat that works great for you. Most red-eye fans prefer window seats. Some also avoid aisles close to the bathroom and emergency exits to avoid added noise and light.
Bring your cozy gear. Whether it’s a special neck pillow or a pair of amazing compression socks, make sure that you’re setting yourself up for the most comfortable trip possible. Some of the most important things to have with you are an eye mask and ear plugs (or noise-canceling headphones).

On the flight

Avoid booze, caffeine, and unhealthy foods. To set yourself up for a great night of sleep, you need a settled tummy. Sticking to water and simple, healthy(ish) foods is a great way to avoid gut discomfort while on board.
Try to start sleeping as soon as possible. Most flyers recommend not watching a movie or scrolling on your phone to avoid blue light exposure. Instead, consider setting up a podcast or another relaxing form of listening entertainment.
Follow your usual routine. That might include brushing your teeth and even washing your face in the plane bathroom. Some travelers even recommend using the same products on the plane, as the scents of familiar lotions and soaps help them maintain their sleep routine.

Seattle vs Portland: Comparison Guide

When taking a zoomed-out view of the United States, it makes sense to clump Seattle and Portland together.

Both are located in the Pacific Northwest. Both are renowned for their unique identities. Both have left their mark on pop culture.

But in reality, Seattle and Portland are very distinct.

Travelers who enjoy independent thinking and the great outdoors will fare well in either city. But what about those who need to choose between a visit to Washington or Oregon—which city are they better off visiting?

Let’s dig a little deeper to explore the biggest differences between these two hotspots. Here’s your Seattle vs Portland comparison guide. First up: size.

Seattle is bona fide metropolis

Portland has a population of around 650,000 according to the 2023 census. Seattle, on the other hand, is home to around 755,000 residents… in its city center alone.

Seattle’s metropolitan and suburban areas are sprawling, home to around four million residents.

Portland, even when clumped with neighboring towns like Vancouver and Hillsboro, has 1.7 million residents. Even in Portland’s downtown area, crowds and traffic aren’t usually consistent problems.

Seattle, on the other hand, faces major traffic congestion and public transportation struggles thanks to its dense population.

Portland is more homegrown & focused on community

Speaking of public transportation, that brings me to my next point: Portland is smaller, more homegrown, and fiercely focused on its community. One of the first ways that visitors will feel that distinction is with its public transportation system.

Portland has one of the US’s most extensive and easy-to-use public transportation systems. It runs on buses, light rails, and street cars.

Aside from its navigable nature, Portland also places a stronger emphasis on its local community. While major retail and food chains dot the city, Portland is home to dozens of successful homegrown businesses.

If you like a little self-determination with your draught beers, Portland should be your pick.

Seattle vs Portland: Neither is particularly affordable

Given its smaller size and penchant for mom-and-pop shops, you might be thinking that Portland is a more affordable destination.

And it is—Portland is more affordable than Seattle when it comes to rentals, dining, transportation, and just about every other metric.

But that doesn’t mean Portland is affordable. One report found that Portland’s cost of living is almost 30% higher than the national average. Again—it’s cheaper than Seattle, but it’s not a budget destination by any means.

Seattle vs Portland: fine dining vs local staples

Seattle is a more bustling urban city than Portland. Part of that reason is thanks to its tech-centric economy.

For decades, Seattle has been a major hub for impactful and profitable startups and companies. It has a highly competitive workforce.

That distinctly metropolitan identity means that you can find all the hallmarks of slick business—from Michelin-rated dining to high-end shopping to great nightlife.

Though Portland is also home to major brands and fancy shopping, it’s few and far between compared to Seattle.

In Portland, you’re more likely to be impacted by the eclectic, relaxed, and community-centric atmosphere. In Seattle, you’re going to be tossed into a sleek and rainy world of skyscrapers and self-driving cars.

Portland isn’t nearly as rainy

When most people think about Seattle, they think about rain—and rightfully so.

The city is the rainiest in the United States by a long shot. Portland, though located in the Pacific Northwest, doesn’t experience nearly as much rain.

In fact, Portland is located in the Cascade Mountain Range, which means its forests and rivers are fairly similar to other deciduous parks around the US. Seattle, on the other hand, is located between mountain rangers.

Though surrounded by hilly forests, they aren’t prone to the same snowy winters. Instead, Seattle’s visitors can easily access more unique natural wonders—including Hoh Rainforest, one of the US’s only rainforest climates.

Football Fanfare: Best Tailgating in College Football

For US sports fans, autumn signals the start of football season.

While you’re probably thinking about the NFL, football season isn’t all about the big leagues for some Americans.

Rather than focusing solely on the NFL, millions also follow their favorite college football team. Some fans are alumni—but others might be part of intergenerational family fandoms or simply a local who enjoys joining the annual football fever.

While the NFL takes the lion’s share of football broadcasting attention, the NCAA’s DI and FBS leagues aren’t too shabby. Its most competitive division counts over 100 teams—and the most popular football programs sell out season tickets year after year.

Season ticket holders are invariably focused on their team’s success.

But they’re probably also a fan of tailgating before home games.

Even if you’re not a diehard football fan (like me), tailgating is more than enough reason to attend a live game.

Why do I love tailgating so much? The better question is… why wouldn’t someone like tailgating?

This American pastime sees fans pack into parking lots to share a few cold ones, fire up the grill, and catch up on team rumors and neighborhood gossip.

Best of all, tailgating season coincides with autumn. And I think it should be more widely regarded as a fall pastime. If you’re ready to explore the best tailgating in college football, start here.

Tailgating in college football: better than you think

The average college football game runs for around three and a half hours—tailgating usually starts two to three hours before game time, which turns the whole day into a football affair.

If you’re like me and aren’t part of any football fandom, then you might be there for food, drinks, and general splendor. That’s the magic of tailgating, in my opinion—it’s open to everyone, and people are friendly.

Don’t get the appeal of tailgating? Here are the highlights.

Food and drink. College tailgating scenes include plenty of snacks and, depending on the location, fully-fledged food trucks and similar operations. Think of it like an outdoor food mall.
Block party vibes. Bust out the camping chairs and take a seat. It’s time for everyone to gather around the cooler for some good old-fashioned small talk. Once again, the tailgating crowd is very welcoming.
Excitement. The tailgate is open to everyone and designed for socialization, snacking, and relaxation. But let’s not forget the focus here—college football. You can feel a palpable buzz at the best tailgating environments as fans gear up for the game. The more important the game, the more exciting the atmosphere.
People of all ages. I once falsely believed that tailgating was for drunk college kids. While that’s certainly a prime demographic, it’s far from the only one. Up top, I mentioned that many college football fans are intergenerational. That means you can find more relaxed areas with families of all sizes and age ranges.

Best universities for tailgating in college football

Below are some of the best tailgating communities in college football. But this list is far from exhaustive. If you’re interested in tailgating close to your home, start researching the best collegiate football programs in the area. I’m sure you’ll find one.

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Tiger Stadium – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This university is renowned for its football program, along with its tailgating parties. As the marching band storms the grounds, thousands of tailgaters cheer and clap and toast.

But LSU’s tailgating party excels when it comes to tasty eats.

Thanks to its Cajun influence, revelers have access to some of the best bites in college football, from crawfish to etouffee to jambalaya.

University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

California Memorial Stadium – Berkeley, California

If UC Berkeley isn’t a name you usually hear in relation to college football, you aren’t alone. While the Golden Bears are known to be competitive, this school is instead known for its free tailgating and accessibility.

Tailgating doesn’t end when the starting whistle is blown thanks to Charter Hill, a hill that overlooks the field below. In fact, many fans stick to the hill to continue their tailgating as the game unfolds in front of them.

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium – Oxford, Mississippi

An official blue-blood legacy school for college football, Ole Miss is usually high on any lists that involve tailgating. It’s not hard to see why—the stadium grounds turn into a small city when major games roll around.

A 10-acre city known as the Grove, to be exact. From tented food stands to 25,000-people-strong chants, you’ll be in the competitive mood in no time.

University of Texas Austin (Texas)

Kyle Field – College Station, Texas

It wouldn’t be a discussion on college football without mention of at least one Texas university. At Texas A&M, the secret ingredient is hardcore fans.

While you’ll find diehards at every tailgating party in the US, Texas fans really enjoy their chanting.

They also love great eats, similar to the LSU crew. From smoked brisket to ribeye-wrapped bacon, it’s a bit of a culinary experience.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame Stadium – Notre Dame, Indiana

Football culture is a big deal at Notre Dame. You’ll be able to tell thanks to the number of families and alumni who regularly attend its football games and tailgating parties.

What I like about the Notre Dame experience is that important landmarks surround the grounds, including a Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and a giant mural known as The Word of Life—but unofficially called Touchdown Jesus.

Laws of the Layover: How Long Do You Need?

Advice on how to survive multi-leg air travel changes depending on who you ask.

The most difficult part? Making connecting flights.

Even an hours-long layover doesn’t mean you’ll make your connecting flight if disaster strikes. And even with the new Fly Rights regulations in the US—which protect fliers against cancelations and delays—thousands of passengers are still going to miss their connections this year.

The good news? There’s an easy and direct way to avoid stressful layovers.

The bad news? You’re going to need a lot of patience… and a new skill set.

That skill set is knowing how long to schedule layovers. It’s not just about the airline you’re flying with or how long you have to board your connecting flight. You also need to consider factors like meals, airport size, customs, and more.

Want to know the laws of the layover? Here’s what you need to know to never miss a connecting flight again.

The basics: factors that affect how long your layover should be

The main factor impacting your layover length is whether you’re making a domestic versus international flight. But before we get to that, there are a few foundational rules that should inform how you think about layovers and connecting flights.

Here’s what to think about:

Booking. Many travelers choose to book on deal sites to save money. If that’s the case, make sure you’re selecting a flight with an adequate layover. Don’t let the deal site decide what layover time works for you—many underestimate the time necessary, in my experience.
Airport size and reputation. Some airports are the size of small villages. Others are regional and compact. If you’re facing a layover at a major international hub, you need to allow enough time to take trains to other terminals, collect your baggage, and more.
Air traffic control. Yes, you should also do a bit of research into air traffic control factors including understaffing and strikes—including at your final destination. A lack of air traffic controllers is regularly impacting flights at airports around the world.
Physical health. If you’re jet-setting across the globe, you might want to set aside time to eat a healthy(ish) meal before getting on another flight. While airport food isn’t known for being Michelin-quality, airport restaurants are usually a better bet than airplane food.
Baggage collection. If you’re switching airlines and need to recheck your bag, then be sure to leave enough time to collect your baggage and check it back in.
Plan a few backup flights. If you’re flying for a major event, industry professionals recommend having a few spare backups in terms of connecting flights. You can look up these flights before taking off from your origin. This allows you to get where you’re going in case disaster strikes.
Baggage and group size. The more luggage you’re carrying, the more time you need. The same for the number of travelers. More people = more time.
Weather. Some airports are prone to bad weather, which regularly causes flight delays and cancellations. When you research an airport’s size and reputation, set aside a few minutes to check on its weather patterns. Hurricane season, anyone?

The international layover: how long should it be?

There’s no fast-and-easy rule for how long domestic or international layovers should be. (Boo!) The main difference relates to customs.

Keep in mind that international flights might include long waits at customs lines. Just like airports have reputations for slow security and long walking distances, they also have a reputation based on their customs experiences.

Conservatively, I’d recommend putting aside an hour just for customs—especially in Europe. Brits are some of the most frequent travelers throughout Europe—and they’re now sharing lines with American tourists in customs thanks to Brexit.

In other words, lines might be longer than you think, even in regions where international travelers are a common sight.

The minimum recommended time for an international layover is 2-3 hours, but a more conservative layover time would be around 5 hours.

The domestic layover: how long should it be?

Domestic layovers are a lot less stressful than international connections.

That being said, domestic flights across the US are regularly delayed thanks to a variety of factors—all of which are outside of your control.

Bafflingly, US airlines recommend a measly 45 minutes for a layover. The issue here isn’t whether you can make it from one gate to another during that time—that seems pretty manageable to me.

The issue is that 45 minutes doesn’t protect you from delays at your origin. That’s the main culprit here for missing domestic connecting flights.

It’s especially problematic if your second flight is international, as border-crossing flights usually take off from different terminals than domestic ones. In some cases, you might even be required to go through a secondary security check.

To give yourself enough time to make up for any delays on your flight from your origin, the minimum recommended time for a domestic layover is 3-4 hours.

Best Autumn Travel Spots in British Columbia

Vancouver is a great place to soak up the fall weather.

For locals, September marks the last temperate stretch of the year. Thousands head outdoors to soak up the crisp air and lovely autumn leaves. It’s also a popular time to leave the city in search of more rural and scenic adventures.

Picturesque towns dot British Columbia. In autumn, they come alive with transforming leaves, harvest festivals, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether heading to Vancouver alternates like Surrey or venturing farther off the beaten path, hidden gems can be found along BC’s country roads and major highways.

That being said, some offer more than others.

So, which British Columbian towns should you visit in September? Here are the best autumn travel spots in British Columbia according to natural splendor and small-town charm.

Nelson

Locals describe Nelson as a foodie’s haven thanks to its range of mom-and-pop restaurants. That’s a great thing for autumn travelers, as there’s nothing better than a warm and cozy meal at the end of a long day spent hiking.

And speaking of hiking, Nelson abuts Kootenay Lake, a stunning body of water. You can even cross the lake via ferry to explore the nearby Creston Valley, which is home to a handful of wineries. To top it all off, Nelson is also home to well over 300 heritage buildings, offering a historical and quaint angle.

Kaslo

Speaking of history, Nelson is close to another historical and remote hotspot on Lake Kootenay: Kaslo. Kaslo offers a scenic lake byway with miles of hiking trails, along with plenty of storied buildings that date back centuries.

Just like Nelson, locals put a strong emphasis on homegrown businesses, including boutique shops, eateries, and even museums. Why not bundle a visit to Nelson and Kaslo together?

Powell River

As the largest town on the Sunshine Coast, Powell River is an up-and-coming destination. From this settlement, you can reach some of the most picturesque mountain hikes in the province—which alight in autumn with bright reds, golds, and oranges.

In town, you can find boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and breweries from local initiatives. Even fishing and scuba diving courses are offered on the river—though I’d stick with something like canoeing or kayaking at most autumn travel spots in British Columbia.

Fernie

The Rocky Mountains are an ideal place to soak up autumn wonders—and Fernie takes visitors straight to the feet of some of Canada’s largest mountains. Unsurprisingly, it’s a scenic mountain town that transforms each winter. But I suggest visiting during the height of fall to hike along the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail and soak up the warm water at nearby hot springs.

Revelstoke

If you enjoy mountain resorts, then keep Revelstoke on your radar—especially if you enjoy skiing and snowboarding. That being said, I’d prefer to settle down in Revelstoke during September.

The area offers dozens of outdoor adventures that stay open until the first snow, including a mountain coaster, disc golf, and mountain biking. For those who like to get active in the great outdoors, Revelstoke has just about every amenity you could dream of.

Smithers

Smithers is one of Canada’s premier fall fishing destinations—which should be enough of a selling point. But there’s another unique amenity in this town: A Bavarian-style downtown drag.

Many of its buildings were built to match German Alpine tastes, while some shops even sell German-style sausages. If you’re more interested in local culture, instead, you can experience the ‘Ksan Historical Village, which is a preserved village from the Gitxsan tribe.