As any experienced traveler will tell you, accomodations can make or break a vacation. Indeed, there are few things more frustrating than diligently preparing for an exciting trip, only for the accommodations to sour the entire experience. While modern travelers have a myriad of options to choose from in this regard, selecting the right location can be more difficult than it first seems. Fortunately, we’re here to explain how you can land the perfect room to anchor your next big holiday:
Break Out the Map
No two cities share the same design pattern. Some metropolises boast widespread, intricate public transport systems; others are divided by natural structures like hills or rivers. Wherever you’re traveling, it’s essential to study a map first and determine where you want to spend the majority of your time. If, for instance, you know you want to visit a collection of historical sites located in a particular sector of a city, it obviously makes sense to book accommodations nearby. Alternatively, finding hotels, Airbnbs, or hostels located near airports, subways, or bus stations could help you cut down on travel costs.
Value Firsthand Reports
Have a friend or a colleague who lives in the city you plan to visit? If so, make sure to use this contact to check out any Airbnb or hostel before you book it. Photographs can be manipulated online, and digital reviews aren’t always on the level. If at all possible, seek out a firsthand report from a trusted, third-party source. The last thing you want is to end up staying in a building that desperately needs foundation repair or that has an infestation issue.
Book Early
Spontaneous trips can be a blast, but they also present a myriad of problems for inexperienced travelers. Indeed, since most of the best hotels fill up weeks in advance, it can be quite difficult to find adequate accommodations at a moment’s notice –– especially if you’re traveling in a group. Rather than waiting until the last minute, make sure to get a jump on your plans and book as early as possible. Your future self will thank you!
Maintain Proper Perspective
Finding the ideal travel accomodations on a tight budget can be a difficult task. What’s more, even the most lavish hotels sometimes fail to live up to expectations. At the end of the day, you should strive to find a location that is both functional and comfortable. Remember, the most exciting parts of any trip occur out in the “real world” anyway. So even if your accommodations are less-than-stellar, you can still enjoy an amazing trip with the right attitude!
