For many people, the idea of staying in a vacation “home” or condo while on vacation is a new concept. They're used to standard hotel rooms, which typically come with two double beds, a dresser, and a small table, crammed into a small space, plus an adjoining bathroom. Accommodations like this are intended to be little more than a place where you sleep and keep your stuff while you're out experiencing your destination. It's not the kind of place you can enjoy spending time in. As anyone who has stayed in one of these hotel rooms knows, using the space efficiently is important. You have to be strategic in what you pack for your vacation because you have limited space in the closet and dresser. And depending on how many people are staying in the room, anything left on the floor is something that can trip you up when you're trying to move around. When you graduate to a vacation ownership condo or vacation home, like the accommodations available with Exploria Resorts, it practically eliminates the need to be so careful in what you pack, while also opening up a variety of new possibilities while you're traveling. When most people think about staying in a vacation home, they primarily think about the luxurious amenities. And while that is certainly part of the experience, one of the most important amenities is space, and plenty of it. While the floorplans may vary depending on the resort and the number of people in your party, a vacation ownership home or condo can have as many as three or four bedrooms, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen, a separate living room and dining area, and a patio or balcony. This gives everyone ample room to stretch out and relax comfortably. Most even have a washer and dryer, which means you can wear your favorite outfit more than once! Vacation ownership condos are designed so that you can enjoy as many of the comforts of home as possible while you're traveling, and that includes many of the same features you're accustomed to in your own home. The kitchen The best thing about having a fully equipped kitchen while you're on vacation is that you don't have to go out to eat for every single meal. After you check in, you can run to the nearest grocery store and stock up for the time you plan to be there. On the other hand, when you have to go to a restaurant for every meal, it can cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars. When you have your own kitchen, however, it's a relief to be able to make some toast, scramble a few eggs, or have a bowl of cereal and enjoy it in your bathrobe, instead of having to get dressed up to go out. You can even brew your own coffee. Another benefit of having a fully equipped kitchen is that, for people who enjoy cooking, you can make your family's favorite meal and enjoy it together at the dining table. Or, you could try a new recipe that celebrates the destination where you're staying, such as seafood in Florida or a local country recipe in the Smoky Mountains. This doesn't mean you'll never go out to eat. It just means that when you do, you're going because you want to, not because you have to. Plus, you'll have a refrigerator to keep the leftovers in. The bedrooms When you're on vacation with your family, cramming everybody into a small hotel room can lead to a lot of frustration and stress because you're constantly tripping all over each other. Plus, even in the closest, most loving family, everyone occasionally needs a little time to themselves. Having separate bedrooms gives everyone their own space where they can have their privacy. After all, it's almost impossible to relax and read a book well someone right next to you is watching television, right? Another great feature about vacation homes and condos is that you have a master bedroom with an adjoining master bathroom, often with a jetted whirlpool tub, which really helps you relax. The master bedroom it's typically intended for mom and dad. After all, rank has its privileges. The living room and dining area In keeping with the open, spacious feel, the living room and dining areas at Exploria Resorts are combined into one large space, with the dining area adjacent to the kitchen. You'll find that the living room is similar to the one you may have at home, with plenty of seating on comfy chairs and sofas. There's also a large, flat-screen TV in the living room so that the entire family can enjoy a favorite program or movie or kick back and watch a football game together. In most cases, you'll find that the dining area has a table large enough for six to eight people. For many families, especially when traveling for a family reunion, this means it's possible to pick one night on your vacation when you prepare a gourmet meal that everyone can enjoy together. The balcony/patio This feature, which can be found in practically every vacation ownership home or condo, means you can easily step outside and relax in a comfortable deck chair or chaise lounge without having to leave. Often, especially when you're traveling with kids, it can get a little noisy, so it's nice to have another comfortable space to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. At Exploria Resorts, we take great care to design our vacation homes and condos to deliver an amazing, enjoyable vacation experience every time you stay with us. We put a lot of thought into every detail to ensure that you can relax and have fun while you're at our resorts. As always, we want you to feel like you're well taken care of so you can build vacation memories that last a lifetime!