Traveling is an expensive endeavor. While some people can afford to splurge on luxurious hotels and resorts, others want to save money while traveling. That’s why many travelers opt for cheaper options such as hostels and vacation rentals. There are many other factors to consider when choosing the right accommodations, including whether or not you want to pay for parking, WiFi, and airport shuttles. And, of course, you’ll need to factor in airline and hotel loyalty program rewards or miles.
What type of traveler are you?
The first step in choosing accommodations is to determine what your budget is. Do you prefer to stay in luxury hotels or hostels? Some people have no problem shacking up with a bunch of sweaty strangers in a noisy hostel while others would lose their mind sleeping in a smelly hotel room.
Some hotels focus on specific types of travellers. For example, business travellers make up a significant percentage of the clientele for some hotels. These hotels may offer amenities such as a conference centre, internet access and secure parking. They may also have health and fitness facilities, a pool or sauna, massage or beauty services and/or a restaurant that caters to business travellers.
Some hotels are owned and operated by specific brands and may be part of a global hospitality company. These properties often have their own rating system that is separate from other hotel ratings. The ratings are usually published online and based on the opinion of other travellers. It’s important to read both positive and negative reviews before booking a hotel.