One of the most critical decisions you’ll make on your trip is where to stay. It can make the difference between a good versus a great experience. After reading through the content below, you will have the tools, tips, and strategies needed to confidently make your perfect lodging choice.
Lesson Learned – when Mike and I were staying in Paris. Mike found an Airbnb with a view of the Eiffel tower. To save $$ we decided stay near the Eiffel Tower with no view because we were a short walk away. After 5 days in Paris, we wished we spent the extra $$ with the view. Next time we will still have budget as the highest priority; however, what type of view we have will be higher on the “desired” list.
Define your budget
Similar to Transportation, before you start looking for lodging, determine your budget. Your budget will be a significant factor in shaping your lodging options. Knowing how much you can afford will help you narrow down your choices and prevent you from overspending. I normally have a nightly dollar amount I am willing to spend (including taxes and fees). That helps in narrowing down what is available in my price range.
Create a criterion list
Make sure to create a list of criteria of what information you are looking for to help narrow down your search. For example, some people think having a pool or a local gym is important. There is no right or wrong answer. When I am searching for a place, I am looking at the following:
- Where is it located?
- How much does it cost (including cleaning and fees for Airbnb, parking fees, resort fees, visitor taxes, etc.)?
- What is the cancellation policy? Is it fully refundable?
- Can I reserve now and pay later? Do I need to pay all upfront now? Can I pay when I arrive? Or, pay part now and the rest later?
- Is internet included?
- Is parking included?
- If I am looking at a hotel/lodge/ resort, is breakfast included?
- What are the reviews from people who stay there and make sure they are within the last year. Read through the reviews to get a sense of the lodging’s quality, cleanliness, and the experiences of past guests. See if there are any recurring themes and issues mentioned in reviews.
Location, Location, Location
The location of your lodging is crucial to your overall vacation experience. Decide on the area you want to stay in and consider proximity to key attractions, activities, and amenities. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, for example, staying near (or on) the beach is a priority. Take into account the accessibility to public transportation (train, bus), shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Another thing to consider is can a single place be used as a “home base” and then you can travel to the sites you want to go to? For example, many people will stay in Munich, Germany, and then do a day trip to the Bavarian Alps, Nuremburg, etc. The plus side is you are not packing and unpacking every day. The downside is you are spending more time in your car than seeing the sites. You need to decide what works for you.
Determine Your Lodging Type
There are various types of accommodations to choose from, including hotels, vacation rentals, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and more. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider your preferences, needs, and the nature of your trip.
When it is just Mike and I, we can easily find a tiny vacation home or stay in a hotel. However, when we were traveling with Mike’s family of 10 to Venice, the only place we could find that would accommodate that large of a group was a vacation home via Airbnb. When we traveled through Iceland, our lodging was a mix of hotels and Airbnb – it just depended on what was available, where we wanted to stay, and the price point we were looking for. There is no
Leverage the World Wide Web
Once you have your budget, criteria, location, and lodging type, then let your “fingers do the walking” and leverage the World Wide Web. There are many websites you can use to compare your lodging options:
- Hotels – Orbitz, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Travelocity
- Vacation rentals – Airbnb and VRBO
The two websites I leverage when determining my lodging and potential cost are Orbitz and Airbnb. The reason why I like these 2 websites is because once I have applied filters based on my criteria, I can see where places are that meet my criteria on a map. This then helps in narrowing down places I would be interested in staying relative to the amenities/criteria I am looking for. I normally have Orbitz up on one machine/window, and Airbnb up on another machine/window for the same city.
One word of advice based on my experience using Airbnb – there is a lot of variation from place to place in regard to cost, cancellation fees, etc. Make sure to take the time to look at the entire price and what is included. Many times I have selected a place thinking it was a good price and then when all of the fees were included, the cost exceeded what I was willing to pay.
Contact the Lodging Directly
Once you have started narrowing down where you are thinking about staying, sometimes it’s beneficial to contact the lodging, hotel, resort, or vacation rental directly. Speaking with a representative or the vacation rental owner give you a sense of the customer service and professionalism of the establishment.
Finding the right mix of lodging for your trip is a vital part of planning. It can significantly impact your travel experience, so it’s crucial to consider your budget, criteria, location, and lodging type. Do your research, book in advance, and download any applicable Apps to your phone to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.