Choosing the right hotel: what you should take into account to avoid scammers

Are you planning a trip and don't know what kind of accommodation to choose? It may seem like a daunting task as there are many options: hotels, hostels, lodges, apartment rentals, or camping. Each of them has its pros and cons. That's why it's important to prioritize your choices to find a comfortable place that suits you.

Read on to find out how to relax without running into scammers.

Trust verified resources

Before looking for accommodation, you should find reliable sources with only up-to-date information from trusted people. This guarantees a safe booking.

Top 5 most popular websites:

1. Booking.com is a well-known service all over the world. It has a wide range of accommodation for every taste and budget. Features include: online availability check and room reservation and free cancellation; flexible filters for finding available dates and prices; photos and reviews.
2. Airbnb. Here you can really find a full-fledged house or a separate room. Landlords are locals with whom you communicate directly.
3. Hotels.com offers a loyalty program that allows you to get free nights.
4. Hostelworld has a large selection of hostels that are not available on other pages. Before choosing this option, be sure to read the policy of the hostel.
5. Couchsurfing is a platform that unites travelers and allows them to get acquainted with the culture and lifestyle of the locals.

Read reviews and look at ratings

Tourists often neglect this rule, believing that it does not matter. However, it is this action that gives a real and more truthful picture.

Read not only positive but also negative reviews. This will help you to get an idea of the pros and cons of the establishment. One biased comment does not necessarily mean that the hotel is bad. Some people find it important to have quiet stay, while others don't even pay attention to noise at all.

Additional costs

Carefully review what services are included in the price. It happens that a cheaper offer provides for a smaller number of them. Bed linen, towels, breakfast: make sure that there is no extra charge for this.

By the way, in some European apartments you may be asked to compensate for the cost of Wi-Fi.

Consider the location

The distance from the city center can significantly affect your expenses. In many European capitals, the price of public transportation increases with the number of stops. This means that saving on housing can sometimes backfire.

Check online maps

Before making a final decision, we recommend that you carefully study the route to your home. To do this, you can use web maps, or even better, plot the route. This will allow you to see what kind of terrain you will have to walk or drive through.

Give preference to straight and densely populated streets so that you can always ask for help. Such planning will save time and ensure safety.

Insurance

Anything can happen while traveling. The medical insurance covers the costs of treatment, hospitalization, medicines and other services that may be required during your stay abroad.

Camping

If you like to spend the night in tents, this is definitely an economical option. When planning a trip in this way, you should keep an eye on the weather conditions in the country you are going to. This type of accommodation is usually allowed in national parks, specially designated areas, or on private land.

Tips for those who want to save money:

1. Travel in the off-season. Prices for rooms and transportation are much lower during this period.
2. Book in advance.
3. Cook your own meals.
4. Choose public transportation. It is the cheapest way to get around in most countries.
5. Look for free entertainment: museums, art galleries, parks, gardens, architectural monuments, and city walks.

Choosing a place to stay is an important part of travel planning. Determine how much budget you are willing to spend on your trip. Based on these details, it will be easier for you to organize a weekend or vacation.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!