With cryptocurrencies surpassing the phase of being just a buzzword, we can slowly but surely see new trends emerging in the travel industry – like booking exotic vacations and paying for them with your digital wallet. As they continue to gain acceptance, several lesser-known vacation spots are embracing this trend, opening up a world of unique experiences for adventurous travelers. Here are a couple of them you may want to take a look at and shortlist for your next time off.
Unique Vacation Spots You Can Book with Crypto
· S Hotels & Resorts: Maldives
S Hotels & Resorts is known for its superb hotels in beautiful places like the Maldives, Fiji, Mauritius, the UK, and Thailand. Among the brand’s 38 hotels, the Maldives truly stands out as it is home to two incredible places to stay. Yes, it’s that kind of a magazine place where crystal-clear waters meet the horizon, where luxury and nature blend seamlessly. Sold, aren’t you? That’s the SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Now, these places are not just for relaxation, they are leading a new way of paying for your trips.
In 2021, S Hotels & Resorts started accepting cryptocurrencies as payment in these locations. Through a special partnership with FTX (yeah, this didn’t age well), guests could use cryptocurrencies to book and pay for their stays as part of this growing “let’s pay it with crypto” trend.
This move makes sense for a place like the Maldives, which is known for its beauty and keeping up with industry trends.
So, how does it work? Guests can use cryptocurrencies like USD Coins (USDC) and Tether tokens (USDT) to pay for their stays at SAii Lagoon Maldives or Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. They’re not stopping there and looking at adding even more cryptocurrencies soon in order to give guests more choices.
· Sandman Hotel Group: Canada
With an extensive network of over 50 hotels across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Sandman Hotel Group has redefined hospitality by not only offering exceptional accommodations but also pioneering the acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a valid payment method. A standout name in this trailblazing trend, the luxury hotel group has made it possible to book your dream vacation using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Thanks to the collaboration between the hotel and Coinbase, a renowned exchange and cryptocurrency platform, guests can enjoy a level of convenience and efficiency previously unseen in traditional payment methods. The process is simple – when booking a stay, guests can select Bitcoin as their preferred mode of payment. A digital invoice is generated, and the payment can be executed by transferring the designated amount of Bitcoins to Sandman’s Coinbase account. Once the transaction is confirmed on the blockchain, the reservation is promptly confirmed as well, eliminating the waiting time and uncertainties often associated with traditional payment systems.
While luxury and comfort are hallmarks of the Sandman Hotel experience, the uniqueness of this vacation spot goes beyond its interior walls. Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers will be thrilled to discover that Sandman Hotel Group’s locations in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario offer more than just lavish accommodations as they also provide access to an ice cave exploration in some of Canada’s most breathtaking winter wonders.
· Dolder Grand Hotel: Switzerland
Nestled in the heart of Zurich, the Dolder Grand Hotel not only offers comfortable accommodations but also beckons travelers to experience a new era of hospitality. This city resort, with its commanding view of the cityscape, serene lake, and majestic mountains, offers opulence and innovation.
Starting in 2019, the establishment redefined luxury by welcoming cryptocurrency payments, creating an experience that caters to the modern traveler’s evolving preferences. Through a partnership with Inacta AG, the hotel introduced the “inapay” mobile app – a bridge between the world of digital currencies and real-world transactions. Hence, guests can seamlessly pay for their accommodation, dining, spa treatments, and more using Bitcoin. The process is streamlined so that cryptocurrencies are converted to Swiss Francs or Euro as soon as the payment is completed, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction.
What sets the Dolder Grand Hotel apart is its status as the first luxury hotel in Switzerland to offer a cryptocurrency payment option. However, the innovation doesn’t stop at payment for accommodation. In collaboration with BitLux, a private air charter firm, the hotel allows travelers to pay for flights with crypto, amplifying the convenience and excitement of planning a luxurious getaway.
Adding yet another layer of convenience is the recent introduction of a cryptocurrency ATM within the hotel premises. Developed in partnership with Värdex Suisse, a Swiss cryptocurrency financial specialist, this ATM enables guests to buy and sell cryptocurrencies right on-site. The selection includes Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum – all available for purchase in Swiss Francs and Euros. Guests can also sell Bitcoin for Swiss Francs. You’ll probably need it because, with exclusive resorts like this, there’s always a plethora of extracurricular activities to go for, such as playing a round of golf on the greens or poker downstairs, while if you want to keep it cozy in your room for the latter, you can always use an online variation of that, like SpinFever.com, where they also accept cryptocurrency.
· FIVE Hotels and Resorts: Dubai
FIVE Hotels and Resorts doesn’t just offer pristine landscapes and serene sea views framed by the modern skyline of Dubai – it invites you to be a part of the future, where travel experiences and financial technology converge in unprecedented ways as it is one of the few luxury hotels in Dubai that have embraced crypto payments.
With an astounding 78% of its customers falling below the age of 35, FIVE Hotels and Resorts recognized the evolving landscape of finance and the preferences of the modern traveler. Last year, it opened its door to cryptocurrency payments. The incorporation of cryptocurrency payments, specifically Bitcoin and Ethereum, not only caters to the preferences of their predominantly youthful clientele but also solidifies the hotel’s role as a trailblazer in the industry.
Aside from its adoption of crypto payment, the hotel’s strategic locations in Dubai and Zurich, coupled with their architectural brilliance, offer guests an immersive experience in the heart of Dubai’s splendor.
The Crypto-Travel Connection
The rise of cryptocurrencies has ushered in a new era of financial innovation and is spreading through various sectors, including the travel and hospitality industry. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have emerged as more than just financial assets – they’re revolutionizing how guests interact with hotels and offering decentralized and secure digital transactions.
By embracing payments in cryptocurrencies, hotels, and resorts appeal to a tech-savvy generation seeking convenience and privacy as they empower travelers to settle their bills using the currency of the future seamlessly. It is made possible as the evolution aligns with the preferences of a younger demographic of millennials and Gen Zs that is more likely to hold and trade digital assets.
Advantages of Using Crypto for Booking Vacations
The integration of cryptocurrencies into the realm of vacations and hospitality offers a range of compelling advantages:
Security and Privacy
Cryptocurrencies provide a heightened level of security and privacy in transactions. It is the most commonly stated out pro, which inherently comes with using their tech, be it for SaaS or product retail projects, or you’re a little bit more ambitious and plan to start the next generation of blockchain gaming platforms. With blockchain technology forming the backbone of cryptocurrencies, the risk of fraud and unauthorized access is significantly reduced. Therefore, travelers can book their accommodations and activities with the assurance that their sensitive financial information remains protected.
Global Accessibility
Travelers often face the inconvenience of fluctuating exchange rates and international transaction fees when booking vacations. But because cryptocurrencies transcend national borders and currency barriers, the digital payment option eliminates these hurdles, enabling seamless cross-border transactions without the need for currency conversion.
Efficiency and Speed
Traditional payment systems often involve intermediaries, leading to delays and additional charges. On the other hand, cryptocurrency transactions occur directly between sender and receiver, eliminating intermediaries and accelerating the payment process. This efficiency is particularly advantageous for last-minute bookings and spontaneous travel decisions.
Innovative Rewards and Incentives
Some travel companies and platforms offer rewards and loyalty programs in the form of cryptocurrency. It incentivizes travelers to engage with these platforms, potentially leading to exclusive discounts and benefits for repeat customers.
Precautions to Take When Using Crypto for Travel
While the prospect of booking vacations with crypto is exciting, there are a few precautions to bear in mind. Ensure you are using secure and reputable platforms for transactions, double-check payment addresses, and be mindful of price volatility. Also, do some research to understand the refund policies of the service you’re booking. Whatever you do, keep in mind that cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, so ensure you’re aware of the refund process in case it’s needed.
With some attention to detail, your crypto-powered vacation can be as smooth as the digital transactions that enable it.
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Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2023/11/02/exotic-vacation-spots-you-never-heard-of-but-can-book-with-crypto/