Planning a multi-city trip these days is easy enough. You don't even need a travel agent to do it. Everything you need is available online. This blog post will focus on one of the most important (and expensive) part of your trip - your accommodation.
A budget traveler's main concern, when booking any type of accommodation, is price. However, there are many other things that you need to take into consideration before clicking the "book it" button. Is the hotel/apartment you're booking accessible enough - meaning is it close to a metro station? Are there elevators? Is it near supermarkets, restaurants, convenience stores, etc.? Is the neighborhood safe? How far is it from the city center?
Below is a list of things you need to keep in mind when booking.
1. Read the fine print.
I recently booked an apartment which I thought was a steal. I read the "Read Me I'm Important" part, and found nothing weird. However, after booking, I checked the booking information and found out that, to secure the booking, I would have to wire money to them - (which I found weird, considering it was a "Free cancellation" booking and the fact that it also said the credit card already secured the booking. Also, the management requires a Euro 500 deposit, to be paid in cash, upon arrival. The deposit is double the amount of our whole 3 nights' stay. Something didn't feel right, so I cancelled the booking.
2. Free cancellation is love.
I could never emphasize this enough. Whenever I book any type of accommodation, whether a hotel room or an apartment on Airbnb, I always make sure I can cancel it within a reasonable amount of time before arrival date without paying a cancellation fee. If you're booking via Booking.com or Agoda, always look for these words - FREE CANCELLATION, so you can cancel your booking free of charge if your plans change.
If you're booking an Airbnb apartment, always read the cancellation rules. Will you get a full refund or only 50%? Do you have to pay the service charge or not?
3. Pay later instead of pay now.
Always remember that it is possible to reserve a hotel room without paying up front. Many have the "pay later" option, with no difference in price. So be sure to click "pay later" if you'd rather pay closer to the date of your stay.
4. Airbnb, Agoda, Booking.com?
When booking any type of accommodation, use your better judgment. Ever since I started using Airbnb in 2014, I have almost always booked with them. Airbnb apartments tend to be cheaper than hotels, and if you're traveling as a group, you could save even more money.
However, Airbnb always charges you right away, whether it be the full amount or 50%. If you're still saving up for your accommodation and would rather pay later, then it's best to use Agoda or Booking.com. Remember, you can also find apartments on both Agoda and Booking.com
Also, make sure you check the rates on both booking sites. The same hotel room/apartment might be cheaper on Agoda or vice versa, or sometimes, you get different results from the same searches. I discovered this just today. I had booked an apartment, which my sister-in-law Anne found, using Agoda. She searched for an accommodation for 6 adults and 1 child and Agoda found a nice 2-bedroom apartment for us. However, when I did the same on the Booking.com website, it wanted me to book an extra room because apparently, the 2-bedroom apartment can only accommodate 6 adults. This was for the same apartment. Is the baby supposed to have his own room? Clearly, Agoda's search parameters are more flexible than Booking.com's.
5. Always check the accommodation's distance from city center.
I get that you want to save money. But chances are, you only have a few days to spend exploring the city, and wouldn't want to waste your time riding trains and buses. Of course, using public transportation is part of being a tourist. But if you're going to spend hours commuting to and from the city center each day, then it's really not worth it. Decide for yourself how much time you are willing to spare on train rides every day.
6. Are there supermarkets, restaurants, etc. near the hotel or apartment you want to book?
If you want to save money, then book an accommodation with a supermarket nearby. If you're a foodie and want to try local dishes, make sure there are restaurants around. It really depends on the kind of traveler you are. Ask yourself what you think is important be within reach while staying at your hotel/apartment.
7. Read reviews of the area where you plan to stay.
It is not only important to just read the reviews of the hotel/apartment where you plan to stay. Make sure you read reviews of the area as well. Some cities may seem glamorous to people who have never been there. But remember they are not all glitz and glamour. There are areas that may not be safe for, let's say, a solo female traveler. Be street smart and always use your common sense. Never let your guard down when you're in a city you're not familiar with.
8. A host cancels your confirmed booking. What now?
I believe everything happens for a reason, and when a host cancels your confirmed booking, just see it as a blessing in disguise. It's not the end of the world. That happened to me just this morning. When I saw an email from Airbnb saying the host had to cancel, I couldn't sleep anymore. Airbnb didn't offer any explanation, which I found strange. But, thank God we found a much better apartment, this time on Agoda.
9. Plan months ahead.
Booking your accommodation 6 months ahead could save you a lot of money. Remember, the closer it is to the date of your arrival, the more expensive it gets. Maybe for some of you money is no object, but for most of us, every penny counts.
It is quite stressful planning a trip on your own. However, that is part of the excitement. Enjoy the experience and don't be afraid to ask friends and family for help.
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