Given the abundance of options available to you, it can be hard to discern the best place to book your stay during your time in a specific destination. On that note, the following is a list of useful hacks that will help you choose the ideal accommodation for your next holiday.
Whether you are dealing with excessive pressure at work or experiencing burnout, a vacation can do a lot of good to your mind and body by making you feel refreshed and renewed. Going on a vacation is the perfect opportunity to escape your daily routine and give yourself the relaxation you deserve by immersing yourself in new surroundings and experiences. It is the time away to rejuvenate and spend quality time with those who mean the most to you, all while leaving your troubles and worries behind.
With that said, there is a lot to consider when planning a vacation, with searching for accommodation being a fundamental part of it. Not only does travel accommodation affect your budget, but it can make or break your travel experience if not given proper attention beforehand, regardless of you having all other aspects planned out perfectly.
Given the abundance of options available to you, it can be hard to discern the best place to book your stay during your time in a specific destination. On that note, the following is a list of useful hacks that will help you choose the ideal accommodation for your next holiday.
Set a Budget
How much money you are willing to spend will likely play the most significant role in influencing where you end up staying during your vacation. Though having choices is good, too many of them can get overwhelming.
When you are booking online from hundreds of options, filter accommodation by your desired price bracket. That will eliminate those that do not fall within the budget you have set aside, giving you fewer options to sift through and making the whole process less time-consuming and much easy.
If you plan to spend the entire day strolling outdoors, you may want to save some cash by looking for a place with minimal leisure facilities but one that will ensure a peaceful night’s sleep.
Choose the Location Carefully
Location is an essential consideration for an enjoyable stay at any destination. Where you choose to stay will depend significantly upon the main activities you plan to do at your target destination. Since you are traveling on vacation, you would want to book your stay in a central area that offers easy access to the destination’s top-rated tourist attractions, restaurants, public transport, and other amenities.
While you can find several cheap accommodations offers online enticing you into booking them if you are on a tight budget, many of them are far away from local attractions and do not make for a convenient commute. The last thing you want is to take a cab or get on a long bus or train ride each time you need to get to a point of interest. By staying within walking distance or at least a short ride from main attractions, you will not only avoid spending your hard-earned money on public transport but save precious time as you move to and from your accommodation.
Accordingly, it is in your best interest to search for a place near the primary focus of your trip and which you can get to with utmost convenience.
Read Online Reviews
Customer reviews and ratings given by other travelers are crucial factors to consider when looking for accommodation. They can provide you with a good idea of what to expect in a particular place, helping you choose the perfect lodging option. Whether you are heading to a beach getaway in Australia and want to find accommodation in Esperance or to Las Vegas to explore its nightlife and luxurious casinos, previous guest experiences can be of immense help in deciding whether a place is worth booking or not.
By researching reliable hotel review sites, you can set yourself up for a pleasant and comfortable hotel experience that puts you in a great location with friendly and courteous staff. Booking sites like TripAdvisor, Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com, are all trusted resources where fellow travelers provide feed and share the good and the bad about a particular accommodation.
After doing your due diligence, narrow down your top three choices and discuss them with your travel partner (s) to reach a final decision.
Assess the Amenities
Before booking accommodation, assess the amenities to ensure it has everything you may need during your stay for the best possible experience. Checking into the features of your chosen location is especially crucial if you plan on staying in a specific accommodation for a relatively long time.
Map out your activities during the vacation, and consider if you will be spending every hour of the day exploring or sightseeing, or relaxing reading by the pool. If you plan to spend a significant amount of time indoors, you may want well-equipped accommodation that provides you with utmost comfort and the best amenities. While some amenities are commonplace nowadays regardless of the location, you may desire some modern conveniences depending upon your needs and preferences, like a swimming pool, spa, or fitness center.
Make a list of all the facilities and services you would like for your ideal accommodation, so you know which boxes to check when you begin your search. If a luxury experience is what you are seeking, a four or five-star hotel would be your best bet.
Consider the Duration of Your Stay
A significant factor to keep in mind as you can narrow down your choice of accommodation is by considering how long you plan on staying at the destination. If you intend to stay at a specific place for a long period, say a couple of months, then you would want to choose a more affordable option for yourself.
Booking an apartment or condo rental over a hotel would be a perfect choice as they provide all the comforts and convenience but without the hefty price tag that comes with staying in a hotel for the long term. However, if you are only visiting for a short period, then staying at a hotel or hostel would be the way to go.
Consider Whether You are Traveling Alone or With a Partner
Your travel partners – or lack thereof – can be a significant determinant of where you stay on your vacation. If you are traveling solo, it will likely be more affordable to share a dorm room at a hostel rather than booking a hotel.
But if you are with a large group or family, booking a vacation rental like a condo or an apartment would be the best choice. Not only will you save money, but have more privacy, access to all amenities, and be able to cook meals at home instead of dining out each time.
Weigh the Food Choices
Food is an integral aspect of our lives, regardless of where we are. When choosing accommodation for yourself, evaluate their meal options. Do they serve breakfast as part of the deal? Does their buffet have a good selection on offer?
If you intend to dine out regularly, check on the local restaurants and cafes nearby. If you prefer to make your own food, go for a vacation rental with a fully equipped kitchen.
Watch Out for Hidden Costs
When you book accommodation online, it is integral to know that not all fees are included in your room rate per night or stay. Many places charge their shares of unreasonable fees, which you only get to know about at the end of the checkout process. These may include charges for internet connection, housekeeping services, and more.
Accordingly, before setting your eyes on a particular stay, make sure that you know any hidden costs to look out for to avoid an unexpected, unpleasant surprise as you checkout.
While you can find most information online, it is best to contact them over the phone before booking.
Consider Scores in all Features
The overall average rating of your travel accommodation will be a decisive factor in whether you should book it or not. With that said, it is crucial to look at the breakdown of other scores as well, including cleanliness, comfort, staff, facilities, value for money, and location. Even if the star rating is excellent, it does not mean that accommodation does not have any flaws.
Book Early
If you are traveling in peak season, it is in your best interest to book your accommodation in advance and not wait till the last minute. Good options tend to sell out fast during the peak season, so it makes sense to keep an eye on the calendar and book a few weeks in advance.
Many hotels offer special offers or discounts to those who make advanced reservations. Not only will you get the best deals and save a lot of money, but also the best bang for the buck by being able to book at your dream location.
Choosing the perfect accommodation will make all the difference in your journey as it is amongst the most crucial aspects of a joyful and memorable vacation. With the variety of options available to suit everyone’s needs and preferences, finding a holiday accommodation ideal for you can be a daunting process.
Rest assured, the above guidelines will help you to find the right place that will make for a comfortable and secure stay while satiating all your travel accommodation needs.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
