Finding Home Away From Home: 6 Tips for Choosing Accommodations

If I’m going to stay somewhere for any amount of time that is not my home, then I need to make sure I have home-level comfort. Naturally, I’m very active on vacations, so my accommodations are where I rest and rejuvenate to be ready for whatever I may have planned over the course of the trip. When I’m booking accommodations, I look for hotels or Airbnbs that:

are clean
have great amenities
are in close proximity to the things I have planned
are budget-friendly
are beautifully designed or decorated

Here are some of the things I consider when I’m choosing my vacation stay:

1. Set Your Budget

Before you even start looking, it’s important to determine your budget. This is actually your guiding factor and will help you narrow down choices that fit within your financial comfort zone. When I’m using sites like Booking.com or Expedia, I use the filters to adjust the price range so that i’m only seeing search results I can afford.

I only paid $300 to stay a full week at an Airbnb in Cuba. That may be my greatest find to date. Not only was it a nice studio apartment, my host actually hosted me. She allowed me to use her phone so as not to drive the bill up on mine to call home, her husband was a taxi driver who took me everywhere I wanted to go, and she translated for me when I needed to communicate with my activity hosts.

I was on a teacher’s salary so I didn’t budget much for my stay, but this time, I got much more than I bargained for.

2. Read Reviews and Ask Around

To get real insights about the quality and authenticity of really anything these days, I always read reviews from other people on trusted websites. Not all reviews are accurate or trustworthy, but other real experiences and opinions can give you some idea of what you might encounter and provide valuable guidance through your decision making process.

If you know someone who has traveled to the destination you’re booking, reach out and ask where they’re stayed. You also can consider asking local residents, reviewing local travel guides, or exploring travel blogs (like mine!) and forums. The best part about asking local residents about a destination is that they know all of the best hidden gems, lesser-known but noteworthy accommodations, and unique experiences that help you plan a well-rounded trip.

3. Consider Location, Safety, and Proximity

Research the location of potential accommodations. Use the Travel Advisories list or other general searches to asses the safety of the area, especially if you're traveling alone. You may also want to consider the proximity of the accommodations to airports, public transportation, and key attractions you have on your itinerary.

When I traveled to Tulum, Mexico, I chose the most beautiful Airbnb that had lovely rooms, a pool on the deck, and a market nearby. However, it ended up making for a challenging trip, because I did not realize it was in a brand new neighborhood that not only was unavailable on the GPS but local taxi drivers also had no idea how to get there. Luckily, my brother remembered enough basic Spanish to coach each driver how to get there, but it wasn’t worth having to do that every time we left the Airbnb.

I’m pretty good about thorough research, but that incident made me bump it up a notch to make sure I understand the kind of area I’ll be in on my trips.

4. Hotels, Airbnbs, Hostels: Which One?

Decide whether a hotel, Airbnb, or hostel suits your travel style. Hotels offer convenience, amenities, a consistent level of service, and guaranteed proximity to other people, which can be good for solo travelers. On the other hand, Airbnbs can sometimes provide a more local and immersive experience. While I don’t stay in hostels, I have heard of other people who successfully stay in them and save tons of money.

You might also consider an accommodation that has a unique value proposition. The Good Hotel in Antigua, Guatemala employs local mothers to work at the hotel, partners with local businesses, and donates a good portion of proceeds to make sure local children can attend school. Knowing that I was giving back by staying here was one of my ultimate deciding factors.

5. Check Amenities

Take note of the amenities and facilities offered by the accommodations. If you plan to spend more time at your hotel than exploring the destination, you may want to consider finding accommodations that have an onsite restaurant, pool, gym, spa, or even a kitchenette for your own preparing meals. Your must-have amenities are going to be determined by the specific needs you have for your trip. For me, I often spend more time out and about than I do inside the room, so I don’t always prioritize amenities in my search, but it’s nice to be surprised by them when I get where i’m going.

The onsite restaurant at The St. Gregory Hotel in Washington DC

The library at the Good Hotel in Antigua, Guatemala

6. Check Flexibility and Cancellation Policies

If I’m booking a hotel, I typically use Expedia, and I always check to make sure I have flexible booking. You may also want to review their cancellation policies and purchase travel insurance accordingly. You want to make sure you won’t lose money if your plans change unexpectedly.

You may also want to confirm the amount you will have to pay for the security deposit. It can be a one-time fee that is anywhere from $50 to $200 that you’ll pay when you check in. Recently though, I shared a story about my trip to Miami where the security deposit at my hotel was $150 per night. This information was not stated anywhere at the time of booking, and needless to say, it was an inconvenience. These are the types of things that are important to know ahead of time because it may change where you choose to stay.

Whether it's a hotel or an Airbnb, the key to choose travel accommodations is aligning your preferences and needs with the options available. Doing all of the research up front can save you so much trouble on the backend, so I highly recommend dedicating time to choosing the best accommodations for you.