Is it me or is there less accommodation theseadays? I think there are more people on the move. More people travelling. At the same time,I believe there are less and less people willing to set up local BxBs and the accommodation offered seems to tend more towards chain motels wherein theyre set outside of town on some retail park. These hotels lower prices and so put local BxB owners out-o-biz. I can understand it all: people want low prices,but it can make it difficult for the thru walker to find accommodation,or have to book far ahead(and which can bring about its own problems)
I have recently returned from travelling around Spain. I usually book on an ad hoc basis. Up to date,no great problems. But I am sensing something in the air. I always seemed to fall across some accommodation without booking it. Theseadays,I seem to be an hour away from having to sit up all night in the local park: all accommodation booked.
I tend to think there's more of the world on the move. people have become richer. There's more people. Grandpops or grandma used to open their doors to travelers. Nowadays,there's less inclination to do it. I have an understanding that more group hotels are opening with increased rooms and lower prices driving out local pensions and wotnot. I'd be interested in what others think.
In the past I never worried about sleeping out. Because I was younger. Now,older,I'm not too sure a bedless night on a park bench could be passed over easily.
Most recently read some places are booked out.
Down in Cornwall/Devon 3 years backall places booked within 60 miles. Had to sleep in the car with the missus. Got a buzz that I could still do it without waking up dead!