6 Steps To Finding Your Perfect Accommodation

Are you thinking about travelling and wonder how you’ll decide where to stay? Or what the accommodation you’ll stay in will be like? Or maybe you’re travelling now and often find yourself disappointed with your hostel or guesthouse. Picking somewhere to stay the night isn’t the biggest commitment, it’s only one night after all, but it can affect your immediate perception of a location, be it good or bad. First impressions and all that…

In all of the backpacker hotspots around South East Asia, there are a plethora of choices for where you can rest your weary traveller head at night. There are numerous options for all budgets and even the difference in rooms for the same price can vary greatly. So how do you decide where to stay?

Travelling as a couple, it often works out just as cheap for Toby and me to split a private room than it does for us both to go into a hostel. Just one of the perks of having a travel companion. We have stayed in some really nice spots, and some not so nice. I’m not generally one to complain about accommodation, I appreciate that depending on the location my budget may not stretch to a luxury such as air conditioning, but elsewhere, it will. That being said, if I can get better for the same amount of money, why wouldn’t I?

Now some nomads I’m sure must enjoy turning up to a new town or city, not knowing anyone or anywhere and happily wander the streets until they find somewhere they like the look of. As you can imagine this could be quite time-consuming, especially if you find yourself in an area that doesn’t fit your budget. Add in the heat, your luggage and you’re describing an agitated afternoon to me. Not how I want to spend my time.

We’ve paid upfront for a few nights in guesthouses and almost walked away out of pocket because we just couldn’t sleep there. Don’t make this mistake, save your pennies! Our mistakes have led to our super-efficient-accommodation-booking-routine! I hope it can help you have [a great night’s sleep / the party hostel of your dreams]…

Before we start aimlessly looking at a booking site for suitable places, we first decide what area we want to be in. Personally, I rely on TravelFish for this one. Simply type in the town or city into TravelFish and read about the different areas. What I like so much about this is that you can really understand what to expect from which area, is it suitable for party goers? Is it loaded with great food? Is it close to all the best tourist attractions? From these descriptions, I pick an area I like the sound of.

I browse the accommodation TravelFish rate highly, but unless anything perfect jumps out at me, I turn elsewhere. Now, depending on how much time you have or want to put into this, you can do general research on where’s good to stay. Over time I have learnt to completely forgo this step and head straight to a booking site. It’s so easy to fall down an accommodation rabbit hole. I don’t want to spend my whole afternoon reading about places I’m not going to stay at. I may as well wander the streets looking for somewhere…

Now I’m armed with my prime location, I tend to use the map feature on booking.com to see what’s around my area, in my budget and offers as many of the amenities I desire as possible. Usually, fan or air con (depending on the heat), mosquito net (only if in a hut of some kind), private bathroom and WIFI. Shortlist you’re favourite 3.

What’s the sense in staying in a marginally cheaper area if you’re going to spend the money on transport getting to and from the action? What are the main things that you plan to do in the area and what’s your exposure to them?

Travelling from a to b is not a difficult feat but sometimes you find places that look perfect and they’re way out of town… Who wants to get a tuk-tuk or taxi home every night? Especially if you’re planning on hanging around.

Are you planning on being sociable? Are you likely to go out and meet people on your first night? Now you know you’re going to be arriving with somewhere to head straight to, you can concentrate on getting yourself out and exploring immediately. Talking to other people is a great way to find out the best places to stay, tried and tested. If so, stay central and gather info on your first night in a new place.

Book the place that fits most of your needs. It may not be perfect but it is only one night. What’s one night on an uncomfortable bed? Or a room with too many bugs? A weird smell? Or sweltering heat? I believe everyone can make it through one night. Unfortunately, the internet can’t provide you with your perception of a room, you’re not going to gain that for yourself until you get in there.

Go out for some food, have some drinks, meet some people, explore the area, get an early night. Whatever it is you want to do once you’ve checked in and ditched your luggage. Maybe the room is cool, the beds feel comfy and you feel immediately happy – if you’re feeling confident, get back to reception and extend your stay.

Remember: If you’re staying for a few nights you can usually barter yourself a discount. Seriously, don’t be afraid to ask on this one, if they can’t do it, they can’t do it. I usually approach with something along the lines of “Hello, we would love to stay here longer, is our room available for 4 more nights? Amazing, can you offer a discount as we are staying here so long?” Negotiate baby.

Morning sunshine! How are you feeling this morning? Had a good night’s sleep? If you haven’t already, get down to that lobby and book your room for another night! Don’t hesitate on this one, good rooms go quick!

Did you have a bad night’s sleep? Is a fan not enough to beat the heat? Are their insects and no mosquito net? Was the location too loud? Or too far away from the action? Don’t worry, you’ve got your remaining two on your shortlist to go check out this morning. Or maybe a new friend recommended somewhere more fitting last night? Whatever your decision, one night somewhere bad was only one night, and now you’ve levelled up and gained knowledge on what’s important to you here. So, get out and find it.

Is accommodation just one of your many concerns pre travelling? If so you might find my post 5 Tips to Ease the Anxious Adventurer helpful. You can also try 5 Steps for Planning the Perfect Trip.

Happy Travels <3