Traveling in Winter? 6 Reasons to Choose a Bed and Breakfast

Are you vacationing in the winter? The cold, rainy months can be challenging for couples or families looking to relax and enjoy themselves. But there are a few ways to make it work better for all. One easy way is the type of lodging you choose.

A bed and breakfast offers a few perks - both inherent to the type of hotel and specially designed by the hosts - that can make up for the weather or the colder temperatures.

1. A Late Start

If temperatures plummeted overnight, the morning drive can be treacherous. In addition to the longer darkness of winter mornings, you may also face icy or snowy roads.

The good news is that travelers staying at bed and breakfasts don't have to get up and going early in the morning just to get breakfast. That means you can leave after the sun has melted the ice or the roads have been snowplowed.

2. The Indoor Activities

Look around your bed and breakfast, and you'll undoubtedly find that your host has included lots of ways to entertain the whole family even on the dreariest of days. They may have board and card games available, cozy reading nooks, movies to watch (alone or as a group), and fun amenities for a soothing bath.

Unlike many higher-priced hotels, the wireless internet is usually free of charge to guests, so you and your kids will be able to use your phones. Check with your particular hosts, but you may also be able to borrow sports or outdoor equipment to keep the kids occupied.

3. The Company

Because you end up spending less time out and about on winter vacations, you can feel a little isolated. Bed and breakfasts, though, encourage conversation and interaction between guests. They're smaller and more intimate than hotels, so you have more of a chance to chat with others in the evenings and get to know your fellow travelers at breakfast.

If you come to breakfast early, for instance, you may be able to chat with a happy host while they make omelets. 

4. A Romantic Space

Winter travel is all about snuggling together, enjoying warm drinks, and propping your feet in front of a roaring fire. You aren't going to find a more romantic environment for winter couples' vacations than a bed and breakfast - no matter what's open or closed outside.

B&Bs are usually decorated with vintage decor that lends itself to quiet evenings as a duo. You'll find fireplaces, romantic lighting, antique rooms, and a lack of obtrusive noise or video.

5. A Good Deal

Big hotels have a larger pool of potential guests - including conferences, weddings, local university traffic, and business people - throughout the year.

But a small inn or bed and breakfast often relies on the spring and summer vacation crowd. That means you can often score a bigger savings on rooms and package deals by using a B&B. You'll get more bang for your vacation buck, freeing up money to splurge on even more family fun.

6. The Local Touch

Are you unsure what to do with your days on a winter vacation? Whether you're deterred by the cold or dampness, or you find that some attractions aren't open as much (or at all) as they are in the summer, a bed and breakfast host can be the perfect local resource.

Hosts live where they work, so they know the area better than most. They can direct you to fabulous local restaurants, small brewpubs, and under-the-radar fun spots where local residents find the best entertainment.

Bed and breakfasts are great choices for vacationers all through the year, but they may be even more attractive for winter travel. At Bed, Breakfast, and Beyond, we love providing travelers with the best stay they could wish for - no matter what Mother Nature has in store. Call today to learn more.