Why Serviced Apartments are Perfect for Nomadic Travelers.
In 2020, remote working became the norm for millions across the globe. As businesses adapted their operations to function away from the office, so too did countless workers, converting dining tables and desks into temporary work stations to last the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just as remote work is now a viable option for many, nomadic travel has also entered the mainstream business consciousness. Formerly associated with extended vacations, nomadic travel now has a corporate contingent in the form of digital nomads – those who forgo regular office work (or even a permanent home) and choose to work remotely from wherever their travels take them.
As the world of business travel evolves, the benefits of serviced apartments and the multitude of ways in which they lend themselves to remote working and ‘bleisure’ travel are becoming more evident.
While the future nature of business travel remains unknown, best estimates point towards fewer journeys being undertaken by corporate travelers but for extended periods. The subsequent investment in remote work in the corporate sector, combined with the advent of fully fledged digital nomads, would result in a considerable increase of remote working business travelers worldwide.
The economic benefits of shifting to remote working are clear: with employers saving a lot of money a year for every employee that works from home for just half of their working hours. Similarly, fewer commute journeys and less workplace energy consumption significantly reduces each employee’s work-associated carbon footprint.
But the nature of nomadic travel or bleisure working removes a ‘home’ base from the equation, generating other concerns for employers – namely employee wellbeing. Fortunately, this is an area in which serviced apartments excel.
It is no secret that the space, privacy and self-sufficient lifestyle afforded by serviced apartments made them especially desirable for travelers during the pandemic. The ability to live independently, avoid unnecessary contact and socially distance as standard quickly exposed the advantages of staying in a serviced apartment as opposed to a hotel. The enhanced health and safety measures of serviced apartments, also make them one of the safest forms of accommodation available.
Coupling distancing and hygiene measures with a self-sufficient environment, a serviced apartment provides an incredibly safe and comfortable living space – which in turn ensures wellbeing is at the core of a guest’s stay. Some of the key features of serviced apartments that provide the very best guest wellbeing include:
- Optimum levels of comfort. Serviced apartments are on average at least 30% larger than hotel rooms, meaning guests can truly make themselves at home for the duration of their stay.
- Interconnectivity. Serviced apartments almost always feature excellent telecommunications technology, meaning getting online to work remotely – whether from the apartments themselves or utilising on-site board rooms and office spaces – is easily achieved.
- Completely self-sufficient living. Guests can exchange communal laundry facilities for a personal washing machine, restaurants for home cooking and cafés for a private work space.
- Designated living areas. Separating sleeping and working areas not only improves the quality of both, but also provides much needed routine. In a serviced apartment guests can work at a desk, relax on the sofa and retire to the bedroom when they’re finished for the day.
- Healthy eating. The inclusion of a fully furnished kitchen means healthy meals can be prepared, cooked and enjoyed in total comfort and convenience, and at a fraction of the cost of a restaurant or room service meal.
- Space to stay fit. Maintaining physical health is easily achieved in a serviced apartment stay, by either working out in the space afforded, or utilising on-site gymnasiums and fitness centers where available.
- Continued support. 24-hour support from our team means guests can rest assured that should any concerns, requirements or queries arise, they can quickly communicate with a friendly representative and expect a swift response.
All in all, serviced apartments manage to balance all the factors nomadic travelers are seeking in their temporary accommodation: independence, privacy, comfort, technology, homeliness, convenience and, should they need it, support – no matter where in the world they may be. All of this comes at no cost to the travelling lifestyle, but does ensure that guest wellbeing is consistently taken into account.
How Serviced Apartments Help Accommodate People in Difficult Situations
There are lots of reasons why people book serviced apartments. A serviced apartment isn’t just a place to stay on a city-break or business trip, but, rather a flexible accommodation option, suitable for various occasions.
Let’s take a look at some of the different ways serviced apartments help accommodate people in difficult situations.
1.) Rehousing
Whether your home has flooded or is undergoing repair work, it’s important that you’re able to move quickly and affordably. Serviced apartments can be readily booked at short notice which makes them ideal for those who require rehousing. Many feature all the usual home comforts such as a kitchen or living room, and are located close to schools, shops and offices, making it easy to acclimatize.
2.) When in Hospital
Patients undergoing medical treatment may well need temporary accommodation for themselves or their loved ones. We offer serviced apartments close to all of the UK’s leading hospitals. Our apartments are flexible, mobility-friendly, and can be booked on a night-by-night basis, which makes them great in medical emergencies.
3.) Divorces
Divorces can typically take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. During that time, you may need a place to stay. Serviced apartments are perfect for long stays, and offer great privacy. What’s more, the cost of staying in a serviced apartment reduces long-term. From the 29th day onwards, your VAT contribution falls from 20% to 4%.
4.) Anonymity
High-profile individuals travelling the world may wish to keep their identities hidden, particularly when it comes to their accommodation. Serviced apartment operators are well versed in hosting celebrities, politicians, servicemen and other prominent people who value their privacy.
5.) Student Living
International students are often faced with the difficult task of sourcing quality accommodation at short notice for long periods at a time. In many cases, student halls won’t cut it, and, with occupancy levels running sky high in certain cities, the options may be limited. Serviced apartments are great for those studying abroad, and provide a flexible one-stop solution. The vast majority of our serviced apartments are located centrally, and many are in touching distance of well-known universities.
7 Things to Do Now to Prepare for the Holidays
The holidays will soon be here. The good news is that there are some things we can do now to prepare for the holidays. You won’t have to miss out on enjoying time spent with family and friends during the holiday season when you’ve gotten a jump start on all those tasks. These tasks will prepare you for the holidays by helping you stay organized, keeping you sane and even helping you save money. Ready to see what you can do NOW to help you prepare for the holidays?
Prepare your gift list
It’s time to make a list of who you plan to purchase gifts for this year. Remember to include family, friends, coworkers, everyone. Don’t leave anyone out! You may also choose to jot down any gift ideas you have at this time for each person. You can use Pinterest to create secret boards to store gift ideas as you brainstorm.
Prepare holiday decorations
Now is a great time to take a peek at the holiday decorations you have on hand. What do you plan on using this year and what do you want to replace? It’s also a great time to start searching Pinterest for ideas for any DIY decorations you may want to do. The earlier you get them done, the sooner you can check them off of your to-do list.
Prepare a budget
How much money should you spend on the holidays this year? This budget should include money for gifts, decorations, food, even Christmas cards. Don’t leave anything out so you’ll be prepared and have the money you need. By creating your budget now you still have some time to save money before shopping season starts.
Start price shopping
Now that you have your list and know your holiday budget, it’s time to start price shopping. You want to make sure you’re getting the best deal when the holiday sales start happening, so go ahead and price the items on your list. It will be much easier to spot the good deals when you know the regular price of items. You may even find and scoop up some great deals now!
Plan homemade gifts
Do you plan on making any handmade gifts this year? If so, you will want to plan these out ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute if you know your project requires a lot of time, energy and effort. Choose a target date to have these items completed before the hectic holiday season starts.
Stockpile pantry staples
Hosting holiday parties or giving out baked goods this year? If you don’t already stockpile items now is a great time to start. Fill up your pantry with baking staples like sugar, flour, chocolate chips and canned goods you plan to use for holiday dinners. By buying items ahead of time when they are on sale you’ll save money and have everything you need on hand (other than perishables) when you need it.
Schedule downtime
While holidays are meant to be a time of celebrating with family and friends, we often we get tired and burnt out with all the activities the holidays bring. Go ahead and block out downtime on your calendar now before it gets over laden with holiday commitments. Making sure you don’t get overstretched by scheduling some time to relax or to do something fun will bring you peace and keep you sane this winter.
With a busy season ahead of us, pacing ourselves is to the key to getting to the finish line. By completing these 7 tasks to prepare for the holidays ahead we can spend more time doing what’s important – spending quality time with family and friends.
Planning the Perfect Staycation
In addition to saving money and reducing planning stress, staycations are a great way to unwind. If planned and done properly, a staycation can leave you feeling just as rejuvenated and refreshed as a normal vacation.
When thinking of how to plan the perfect staycation, there are a number of things to consider.
1. Budget
What are you willing to spend on this staycation? This is obviously your choice. Staycations are mostly cheaper than international travel, but can be costly depending on where you go. Therefore, it is worth mapping out a budget and perhaps, thinking to share cost with a friend.
2. Itinerary
Just like you would with any form of travel, you need an itinerary for the perfect staycation. Use Google, Instagram, Pinterest and travel blogs for this. You would be so surprised to find a whole world of travelers who stick to travelling nationally. If in doubt or not entirely sold on a location, reach out to someone who has been. This will help you map out your itinerary more confidently.
3. Disconnect
In considering how to plan the perfect staycation, you have to disconnect. Keep your phones and laptops at home. Take a book to read, go out, explore and try not to stay glued to social media. People think staycations are just an extension of your life at home. Unless that is the plan for the staycation, make sure to get as much rest as possible.
4. Photography
As you would on any holiday, photographs are a must. You need these for memories so when planning the perfect staycation, factor this in. Nairobi has a beautiful scenery. The deeper you explore, the more beauty you will come in contact with. So prepare to snap, snap and snap away!
5. Leisure
In need of total relaxation? Perhaps a massage? A facial? A spa afternoon? A staycation is the perfect excuse to treat yourself. That excitement that comes with booking something cute or a little pamper is unbeatable! Add an additional touch to a regular staycation by making arrangements with your accommodation provider for a little pampering.
6. Adventure
When thinking of how to plan your perfect staycation, schedule a guided tour. This is usually a way to connect with locals. If it is a guided tour of Nairobi, you are sure to learn more about this thrilling city.
You could also consider crossing something off your bucket list and trying something you have never done. Why not? You are on holiday after all!
7. Dining/Food
You are in a different city or at least away from home for the night, what do you do to make it just a little bit more special? Book a fancy restaurant for the final night. Just like a spa pamper session, it adds a special oomph and closes out the staycation fancily. Staycations allow you to appreciate where you live just a little bit more. Over the course of everyday life, you may not get to check out local museums, shops, parks, or other attractions that you consider to (ironically) be for tourists. Be a tourist in your own town and see what’s around you to discover!
