A quick guide to booking the best accommodation for your trip
Choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference in your trip. Today, there are hosting options for any preferences (and pockets!) just a click away. However, too many options can also raise doubts and hurt your choices. It’s important to know there are other types of accommodation to book besides hotels and guesthouses, such as hostels, vacation rentals, campgrounds, glamping sites and more.
Regardless of your preference, the process for choosing is the same.
How to choose the best accommodation
Set your budget
Accommodation is one of the biggest travel expenses. It is important to define how much of your budget you want to set aside to book your accommodation. For example, if you plan to spend the whole day strolling, you might look for a place with no leisure environment but one that ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.
What is essential in your daily life?
Think about the amenities you don’t like to give up while travelling. For example, some people don’t like to eat out every time and enjoy having access to a kitchen. Some search engines offer advanced filters for such convenience. If this information is not in the ad, send a message to the property/host and ask questions before booking the accommodation.
Also Read: How To Choose The Best Travel Insurance
Location
Define in which region you want to stay and research hotels and places to stay using the map search, if available on the booking site. It is also interesting to look at the address on Google Maps and check its surroundings. Usually the closer to the tourist centers, the more expensive the accommodations are. An alternative is to book accommodation in less touristic regions but with easy access to the places you want to visit.
Are you going to travel in high season? Book it earlier!
Good options often sell out fast during the high season, so keep an eye on the calendar and book early. Always check the cancellation policy, many properties offer a 100% refund for cancellations requested a few days before check-in. This gives you flexibility and security when making reservations in advance.
Booking.comBest Sites & Platforms to book accommodation
There are numerous online platforms to search for hosting alternatives and here is a list of our favorites.
Booking.com
The search for accommodation usually starts here. Booking.com search engine is great and has several options to filter accommodations by type, location, additional services, etc. Good for hotels, hostels, hostels, homestays.
Hostelworld
Excellent site for Hostels’ research. Ideal for those looking for a dormitory bed, but also an alternative for large families. Have you ever considered renting a dormitory for the whole family? Cancellation is free up to 7 days before booking.
Agoda
If you are going to Asia be sure to check the options in Agoda, the prices are usually very competitive. The more accommodation bookings made through the tool, the more credits and coupons you get to exchange for discounts on upcoming bookings.
Glamping Hub
Want a different, sustainable experience, close to nature but still very comfortable? Glamping (glamorous + camping) is an alternative for you. Here you can find numerous lodging options around the world categorized into different types of glamping sites, from huts to treehouses.
Couchsurfing
Find free couches or spare rooms in people’s houses around the world and pay nothing for it. We use it and love it, but don’t use Couchsurfing if you don’t want to spend time with the host. Cultural exchange is the main objective of this type of platform.