Here, we will give you some tips on booking the best accommodation for your next vacation. Why the most valuable and not the cheapest? Price is often a good variable but is only sometimes the best. So, let’s find out more.
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Our tips on booking the best accommodation
Book well in advance.
It is essential to know that every plan needs preparation. Let’s start planning as early as possible. But what’s the best time to start planning—one month, two months, half a year? Unfortunately, we cannot give you an exact period. It, namely, all depends on your destination and the time of your visit. For instance, we recommend planning earlier should you visit a place during peak season. The same goes for visiting top-rated tourist destinations like Rome or Barcelona.
But our motto is that time is precious. That’s why there’s no harm in starting planning earlier than the others. By doing so, you will not only be able to find cheaper accommodation but also have a more significant assortment from which to choose your desired apartment or room.
Look for the best value, not for the best price.
What did we mean by that? When you log in to Booking.com, you will likely start with the cheapest price. There is nothing wrong with it. However, you should always ask yourself why it is so inexpensive and what’s in it.
Is it economical because it is far from the beach, the city center, or public transport? Or even worse, is it in a dangerous city district? The furniture may be old, with no balcony and a nice view. Who knows. That’s why we are heading again to diligent planning. It would help if you did your homework. Fortunately, the sites like Booking.com and AirBnB have great tools for that. So, you can always check the options like the distance from the center or the beach, parking lots, etc.
Let’s make an example.
The first apartment costs 40 euros daily, and the second is 60 euros daily. However, the second one has a free parking place close to the center. On the contrary, the first one is a few kilometers from the city center. So, you will arrive by car and plan to stay there for five days. That will cost you 200 euros. But because there aren’t any free parking spaces you will have to use a payable one for 20 euros a day. But that’s only part of it because you must drive to the town daily to see the desired attraction. And finally, new payable parking spaces are waiting for you. Put all this together, and you will already have spent more than 300 euros, which was the cost of the second apartment, where you will have all this for free because all the attractions will be within walking distance from your apartment. But that’s only the money we are talking about. There are also other variables we have to consider, like your well-being and comfort, for instance.
As you can see from this example, choosing value before the price is always best. That’s why we included it on our list of tips on booking the best accommodation for your next vacation.
Consider your personal preferences.
We all have our unique preferences and tastes. It’s essential to take them into account when planning your trip. For example, if you’re a beach lover, consider booking accommodation near the beach to save on transportation costs and enjoy your time there. Similarly, this goes for your gay vacation; if you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, look for LGBT+-friendly areas to ensure your safety and comfort during your stay. Let’s tailor your trip to your individual needs and preferences.
Be flexible
Consider changing your travel dates by two or three days to save money on your accommodation. Online providers such as Booking.com or Airbnb often offer flexible dates and better prices on different days. Doing this allows you to book the same apartment or even a better one for a lower price. Of course, some people have busy schedules and need more luxury, but it’s worth exploring this option. Let’s make sure your trip fits your budget and preferences.
Knowing when to go
Let’s say you are planning your summer vacation to Italy. You should know that planning to go in August can be extremely expensive and utterly crowded. It may be better to visit it during the shoulder season (June or September) instead. That way, you could save some trouble and costs and even go on your vacation to Italy twice for the same price as once in August. So, knowing when to go is essential, especially if you are a budget traveler.
Read the reviews
When booking a room for your vacation, it’s essential to read the reviews and check the star ratings to get an idea of what previous guests have experienced. However, it’s also important to filter through the considerations and consider who wrote them. For instance, if you’re a young guy traveling with friends looking for a party, you won’t find reviews from married couples who prefer peaceful areas to be helpful. Take the time to read reviews written by people with similar travel preferences to yours.
Look for the discounts.
Exploring different providers and their special deals is always a good idea when searching for accommodations. Some platforms, like Booking.com, offer unique genius deals for frequent travelers, while others have other special offers. Reading reviews and contacting the host can also help you make an informed decision and have peace of mind. And remember to check out the top deals that are often displayed first!
Discover the best hosts.
Knowing the host is always crucial when booking a stay. To help with this, platforms like Airbnb have introduced a Superhost feature, which indicates high reliability. If this feature is unavailable, you can read reviews or contact the host to determine their reliability before booking. This way, you can make an informed decision and have peace of mind.
Safety always comes first.
It is one of the most important tips for booking the best accommodation. Feeling safe and relaxed is essential to most people when planning a vacation. Research the neighborhood before booking to avoid spending time in a dangerous area and feeling anxious during your trip.
Wait to book a room in the center.
It may seem contrary to our previous suggestions, but we recommend staying in the first district near the center. For example, we booked an apartment in Karakoy (Galata) instead of the historical center during our trip to Istanbul. This decision was based on lower prices, a more authentic atmosphere, and still being within walking distance of the center.
Hot tip: Consider lowering your expectations for hotel accommodations during city vacations. While this may seem obvious, the true allure of a city trip is often found outside the hotel room. This is not always the case for business travel. To fully indulge in the excitement of your next urban adventure, consider saving on hotel expenses to spend more on activities and experiences.
Consider the alternatives.
When searching for accommodation, it’s essential to keep an open mind and not immediately dismiss offers that don’t match your initial expectations. They may be worth considering. For example, we planned to explore the city and its surroundings during our first trip to Naples. However, we were so captivated by the spectacular surroundings (such as Pompei, Amalfi Coast, Procida, The Caserta palace, etc.) that we spent 60% of our time there. As a result, we decided to make Sorrento our base instead of Naples. It was a wise choice, as it’s conveniently located near the city and well-connected by public transport. Moreover, it’s a great starting point for exploring the Amalfi coast, Pompei, and many other attractions around Naples.
Listen to what others have to say
This advice is particularly relevant when you’re not traveling solo, which is often the case. Your preferred option may be better for some, so it’s essential to consider the opinions of your fellow travelers. Ultimately, the goal for everyone is to have a good time, so listening to others is critical.
The conclusion
Thank you for reading tips on booking the best accommodations for a vacation. More importantly, hearing from others with experience in this area is always helpful. We completely agree with the importance of considering the opinions of fellow travelers, as everyone’s preferences and needs can vary. It’s great to prioritize everyone’s enjoyment and comfort during the vacation. So, we look forward to reading more suggestions in the comments section.
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