13 Essential Steps for Booking the Perfect Accommodation
Planning your dream vacation but unsure how to find the perfect accommodation? In this comprehensive guide, we share 13 essential steps to help you narrow down your search, set a budget, and choose the best option for your needs. Say goodbye to travel stress and hello to your ideal vacation!
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious retreat, these steps will help you narrow down your search and find the ideal accommodation. From setting a budget to checking reviews, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and plan your dream vacation. So, let’s get started!
1. Dates
Is it better to have fixed dates for your vacation or to remain flexible? For most people, the ideal scenario is having the ability to book a vacation whenever they want, and not only that, but also when prices are lower. Flexibility provides a wider range of options and can result in more affordable prices. Occasionally, changing your original travel dates by just a single day can make a significant difference. By exploring dates around your preferred time frame, you can save money for other vacation expenses.
2. What kind of accommodation
What kind of accommodation do you prefer? It varies depending on the location and group size, your budget. Let’s admit it, sometimes it even depends on our mood while booking it. There are many factors to consider, but try to narrow it down to one or two key factors and work from there. Because why looking for something you’re not interested in?
3. Location
Don’t book a hotel just because it’s cheap, even if it looks amazing. Check the location first. Many budget-friendly options may be located far away from the interesting parts of the city you are visiting, which could ultimately cost you more in transportation expenses. You will also lose precious time that you can spend exploring something new. It’s not worth it spending the money you saved on accommodation for cabs and public transport. Always prioritize the location and convenience when selecting.
4. Using the map option
To simplify the process of searching for accommodation on websites like Booking or Expedia, I always use the map option. When using the map view, you don’t have to check the address of each place and you don’t have to estimate the distance between it and the attractions you want to see. Additionally, it provides you with a better look at the availability, the area, and the prices.
By switching to a map view you also get more familiar with the destination itself and get an idea where you are (and where you will be).
5. Price
If you’re on a budget, filter your search results by price to avoid wasting time looking at options that are beyond what you can afford. Having a clear understanding of your budget is essential for the whole planning process and will save you a lot of time.
6. Read Reviews
Unfortunately, leaving a review is not always an option exclusively for those who have made previous bookings. Some platforms, such as the highly popular Google, allow people to rate their experiences as long as they have an email. However, I find that partially unfair and it makes me not trust reviews on Google entirely.
Leaving feedback is a subjective matter anyway, as there are some people who are never satisfied and will find things to complain even in the best places. And vice versa- there are people (like me), who are not picky and don’t need much to be impressed. Checking reviews is important, but don’t obsess over them, unless there are recurring 1-star ones from the majority of the people who left their feedback.
7. Check your credit card deals
Be sure to check your credit card for any exclusive offers or cash back on specific hotel brands and chains. Booking through those platforms may provide better value or allow you to receive cashback/rewards/miles/points. Additionally, some websites offer bundle deals that include a rental car or allow you to book both accommodation and flights together.
I always check what deals I get from each of my credit cards and that allows me to pick which one to pay with. This way I get better deals and also collect cash back or points to use for my next bookings.
8. Call the property directly
It’s important to keep in mind that many websites that offer accommodation are simply search engines that aggregate search results and do not provide actual accommodation. As a result, they act as a connection between the property and the visitor, for which they receive a commission. With that being said, you already know where I’m going.
Contacting the property you want to stay at directly, instead of booking through a third party platform, is the extra mile you need to go and the one that can pay off. While it’s simple to enter your payment information and hit “Book”, contacting the property directly can result in even lower rates than the cheapest you see on the website.
9. Use browser extensions
Who doesn’t love getting free stuff or earning cash back? However, we often miss out on opportunities to save a few bucks without even realizing it.
Two years ago, I started using a browser extension, which has allowed me to accumulate cash back or receive discounts through coupons almost every time I shop online. The bigger the purchase, the more coins (cashback) I accumulate. Once I’ve gathered a specific amount of coins, I can exchange them for gift cards at main retailers. Typically, I choose to exchange my coins for Amazon gift cards, as this gives me a bigger variety of what to buy.
Use it when booking accommodation or other travel expenses and spend the cash back on stuff you need for your trip- must have items, toiletries, etc.
10. Check the cancellation policy
Always! It’s crucial to always pay attention to the cancellation policy when booking travel arrangements. I remember almost booking a great deal on a place in New York without realizing that changes couldn’t be made later on. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a good deal and act impulsively, but we must not neglect important factors such as the cancellation policy. Plans change frequently, and it’s good to know that you can get your money back in case of cancellation.
11. Total price with taxes
Oh, how great it is to see $701 for a flight and hotel for 5 nights on Oahu per person! However, the excitement fades away when you proceed to checkout and see an additional $400 for taxes and various fees. Catching the traveler’s attention with a low price at the beginning and adding a bunch of taxes at the end of the transaction is one of the things that genuinely frustrates me. Can we just have the taxes ahead and see the total from the very beginning? I understand this tactic but some places have so many extra taxes and fees that you end up paying nearly twice the amount advertised.
12. Checking in and out
In my experience, it’s always better to confirm important details like business hours and check-in/check-out times over the phone or via email. Since the pandemic began, many businesses have not updated their Google business pages or other platforms, which can cause confusion. I’ve had a few situations where the information on the website I booked from was different from the actual hours of front desk operation.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, I recommend reaching out to the property directly to confirm these details. It’s frustrating to arrive at 2 pm only to find out that check-in isn’t until 3 pm, or to rush to check out by 10 am when it’s actually 11 am. That extra hour can make a big difference in your travel plans on your arrival day. And God, how important that morning hour is!
13. Breakfast
I can’t tell you how many times I have talked to people who are extremely disappointed that their chosen accommodation did not offer breakfast. When I asked if breakfast was included in their booking, some replied with surprise- “How can a hotel not serve breakfast?” The truth is, many hotels around the world do not offer breakfast, either for an extra fee or at all. Some accommodations are strictly designed for overnight stays only and do not provide additional services. It’s important for travelers to familiarize themselves with hospitality terms and amenities to avoid unexpected situations.
Planning a vacation can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the perfect accommodation. However, with these 13 essential steps, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for and how to find the right place to stay for your needs and budget. By taking the time to research and consider your options, you’ll be able to plan a trip that meets your expectations and creates unforgettable memories. So, don’t let the process of finding accommodation stress you out, follow these steps and enjoy a stress-free vacation!
