Tips for Choosing Accommodations When Traveling

1. Staying in the city center

Like most city centers, they are bustling and busy, filled with locals and tourists. There are always accommodations on a main street or road that seem like a great idea at first. But if you’re like me and value your peace and quiet in the evenings, then I’d recommend finding accommodation that’s on a street without bars or restaurants.

This means that at night, it’ll likely quiet down — which means I can get a good night’s rest after a long day of exploring. But you’ll still get the benefit of being within walking distance to many things.

2. Investing in your accommodation

If you can afford it, I really recommend investing in the accommodation you’re staying in. Whether you’re there long-term or just for a few days, the place you come home to after a long and exhausting day is so important — and worth the extra cost.

Take your time to research, but if it gets to a point where you’re debating whether an extra hundred dollars is worth it or not — I’d say yes. It likely is and can make a huge difference depending on the place you’re traveling to.

Of course, I understand not everyone will have this kind of budget. But if you can, I’d recommend it. You’ll be grateful to yourself later.

Traveling, planning, and visiting a bunch of places is already a lot — often masked by how excited we are about everything. Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being by making sure you have a solid place to rest each day.

Too many times, I’ve heard from other travelers about issues with their accommodation and how it affected their trip.

3. Things to look for when reading reviews

When reading reviews, if there’s a search bar within the reviews section, look for keywords that matter to you. For example, a strong internet connection is very important for me, so I search “internet” or “Wi-Fi” and see what people are saying about it.

Some other suggestions of things that could matter are: noise, host, etc. I usually filter straight to the bad ratings first because they are usually the most honest. However, read between the lines — sometimes you’ll find it’s just someone complaining about a one-off situation.

Although I start with the bad reviews first, I always take time to read good and in-between reviews. A few samples from each help me get a better idea of any place.

4. Communication and transparency is key

To get into the best situation possible, you can usually message or contact the host and/or property depending on the booking platform. I always use Airbnb, but you can also message the property on Booking.com.

When you’re coming in from out of the country, it’s imperative that all your needs are met. Hosts and property managers don’t want issues either. So if you see something in a review that’s concerning — or even if you’re unsure whether they can accommodate you — message them and ask.

I’ve found that approaching it from a place of: this is really important to me, and I want to make sure this is mutually beneficial so we don’t run into any issues — really helps them open up.

Nobody wants a bad review, and typically, they prefer to avoid guests who don’t fit them. Communication is so key. I’ve stayed in hundreds of places and have primarily great reviews. Does this mean that every place I’ve stayed at was perfect? Absolutely not. But I always give the hosts or people who work at the property a chance to correct things.

I set expectations by clearly stating my requirements while showing them that I’m willing to work toward a resolution. But if they can’t deliver, then I need my money back and I find something else. Typically, because I was kind and open to cooperating with them, they’re flexible with me while I sort out something new. In the end, they still give me a good review — because that’s how mutual energy works.

Even though you pay for something — and yes, you absolutely have the right to have your requirements met — you’re still dealing with human beings on the other side. And people operate from a place of energy and mutual benefit.

This isn’t 100% bulletproof — things can happen, period. But it will strongly increase your chances of finding a good place to stay or, at the very least, having people who are willing to help and work with you. Which can make all the difference when you run into issues.