Leo, let's discuss accommodation options and quality in Djibouti and Eritrea. It's not exactly a luxury travel brochure, is it?
Indeed. "Luxury" isn't the first word that comes to mind. Perhaps "functional" is more accurate.
Djibouti: small country, strategically important, limited options. Is it primarily military barracks and overpriced hotels for business travelers?
Djibouti City has decent hotels catering to international business and military personnel. However, don't expect sprawling resorts. Think functional, not fabulous.
Functional. More a place to rest after business deals than a romantic honeymoon suite. What about long-term stays?
Long-term rentals exist, but quality varies greatly. Expect to pay a premium for anything resembling Western standards, and prepare for power outages.
Power outages... Charming. And the dust?
Djibouti is dusty. You'll spend more time sweeping than sleeping.
So, pack an air purifier and cleaning supplies. What about Eritrea?
Eritrea presents a unique situation. Due to political and economic realities, options are even more limited than in Djibouti.
Wonderful. From "sandpit chic" to... what? "Soviet-era austerity"?
A bit of both. Asmara, the capital, has beautiful Italian-era architecture, including some hotels, but they can be quite run-down.
"Faded Grandeur: A Backpacker's Nightmare." Outside Asmara, options are very basic. Forget luxury.
Exactly. Expect guesthouses with shared facilities, if you're lucky. And Eritrea isn't a tourist hotspot; travel is restricted, limiting accommodation choices further.
Permits... So, no Airbnbs?
Essentially nonexistent. Think word-of-mouth recommendations and very basic guesthouses.
Word-of-mouth... Like finding a secret room behind a curtain. What about long-term rentals?
Incredibly difficult. The housing market is tightly controlled, and foreigners face significant hurdles.
"Retirement in Eritrea" is off the table. Any advice for those braving the accommodation scene in these countries?
Pack light, lower your expectations, learn some local phrases, bring a sense of humor, and a mosquito net. And check jetoff.ai for practical travel tips.
Excellent advice. If you're watching on YouTube, leave a comment about your worst travel accommodation experience!