Briefly about how and where to properly search and book hotels, apartments, or any other accommodation abroad or in your own country. What to pay attention to and what can be ignored.
Currently, there is a high demand for traveling around the world. Many people are traveling for the first time and, like blind kittens, booking anything and anyhow. I know this because I deal with US visas and talk to dozens of people daily.
For experienced travelers, this may seem obvious. I write for those who are planning everything on their own for literally the first or second time in their life. There are many such people. I know this because I help with advice several times a week.
This article is focused on short-term rental for travel. That is, if you are going for a short period from 1 day to 1–3 months. For longer rentals, look for accommodation on local rental websites or in specialized social media groups if you are not confident.
Due to a chaotic approach to booking and searching for accommodation, you make mistakes that lead to spending more on accommodation, getting something different than expected, or not getting anything at all in the worst-case scenario.
Where to Search for Hotels and Any Other Accommodation?
There are countless websites now. Among them, there are time-tested ones and websites whose only goal is to take your money without giving anything in return.
I have used dozens of booking websites and settled on Booking.com and Airbnb. In Asian countries, I use Agoda.com and very rarely something else.
For simplicity and reliability, I have reduced the choice of booking websites several times and use the three platforms mentioned above. Most often, it is only Booking.com since it offers more options with the possibility of free cancellation at the best price. Using this platform as an example, I will explain how to search and book accommodation.
Choose the Area!
You already know the route and the specific city where you will stay.
Usually, people choose the city center or nearby areas. The center is more expensive, but consider the costs of public transport if you live on the outskirts.
In some cities, there is no clearly defined center – Barcelona, Budapest, Bangkok. In some cities, you might not even need the center – Miami, Los Angeles.
If you are not sure which area is better, read about it from trusted sources. I have many articles with recommendations on areas in different cities and resorts around the world – Bangkok, Budapest, Los Angeles, Miami, Dubrovnik, Split, Malta, Cyprus, Tenerife, and others.
Useful Booking Filters
Pay attention to useful Booking filters and always use them – you can specify the city area and the options you are interested in (balcony, pool, patio).
If you need parking, internet, a private kitchen, or breakfast included, all this can also be selected with Booking filters. On the left menu.
Type of Accommodation
Always make sure it is a separate accommodation entirely, not a room in shared apartments.
The toilet and bathroom are often shared on the floor or in the block. This is always in the accommodation description. If this is important, of course.
If price is the only priority, then you can ignore these options.
Free Cancellation
A very important Booking option that allows you to cancel a hotel reservation if your plans change.
Keep in mind that accommodation often costs less if you pay for it upfront without the possibility of cancellation. So, if you know for sure you will stay in this place, it is better to pay upfront. You will save money.
Check-in Time and 24-Hour Reception
In different hotels and apartments, check-in time can vary by several hours. If this is important to you, pay attention to it. Almost everywhere, you can check in earlier and check out later for an additional fee, and you can leave your things for free if you have a late flight or an early arrival, for example.
Even more important is a 24-hour reception. This gives flexibility in arrival or departure plans. Such an option is far from available in every hotel and not in all apartments. Always pay attention to this.
Minimum Stay Restrictions
Often, hotels and apartments do not allow stays for less than a certain number of days. Immediately pay attention to this in the description. This is especially true for apartments. In apartments, the scheme often works: the more days you stay, the cheaper (but not much).
Payment Method
Almost everywhere, payment for accommodation is accepted by cards. Many think so. In reality, cards are not accepted everywhere. This applies to Europe, Asia, and both Americas. Although for most accommodations, you can pay with payment cards or PayPal. In any case, always take cash on a trip, about 30% of your travel budget for Europe-USA and 50% for Asia. Just remember this.
Can You Stay with Children or Pets?
Yes, some hotels and apartments are for adults only and do not allow staying with pets.
If the accommodation description says Adults Only, it means “Adults Only.” Such places are always quieter and calmer. If this is your priority, choose this format.
Pet Friendly in the accommodation description means that pets are welcome, and you can safely bring your pet. However, there may be restrictions on the size and weight of your four-legged friend.
About Paying with a Bank Card
In most cases, you can pay with a card. Booking has a secure payment system. At least, in 30+ years of traveling, I have never had problems, although the number of booking episodes for me has long been in the hundreds.
I use my regular credit cards in national currency. I don’t worry about currency conversion. For the USA, South America, and Asia – Mastercard, for Europe – Visa.
If you are unsure, get a special card and use it only for booking accommodation on Booking and don’t keep much money on it. It is better if it is a credit limit that you close immediately after the accommodation episode is over. In the hypothetical case of fraud, the bank will deal with it, and it will be their problem.
If for some reason you don’t want to use a bank card, choose the filter – Booking Rules: “Booking without a credit card.”
Reviews
I put this point at the end because I consider it important but not primary.
I read reviews and recommend reading them to everyone. But as many people, as many preferences. What is super cool for one person will be torture for another. Therefore, at a minimum, set the filter in the reviews – “solo travelers” or “couples,” to be in the same category with them.
I had several negative experiences when I trusted the reviews on Booking and was disappointed. One of them was relatively recently in Turkey, in the city of Kas. There I immediately changed the hotel; the second one was cheaper and much better.
In general, I told everything and, as always, hope it was useful!
Useful links:
- Hotel Bookin — Booking.com
- Flight tickets — Aviasales
- Car rental — Local Rent
- Travel insurance — Hotline Finance
