When you’re booking a holiday, where do you usually begin? Destination? Flights? Do you look for the easiest deals or go with the shortest journey to access sun-drenched shores sooner?
While it’s important to know where you’re going and the flights that will take you there, where you’ll be staying is a top priority too. Being comfortable during your week away means you have a base to return to after lazy days on the beach or spent exploring the area.
Whether you’re planning a city break or a family holiday, finding the perfect accommodation ensures you all have a smooth, enjoyable trip.
Start with the purpose of your trip
Your holiday plans should dictate where you stay, rather than the other way around. If you’re going away for a weekend of city sightseeing, booking a room right in the centre saves precious hours of commuting. Going to a wellness retreat? You’ll need a space that’s far away from traffic and outside noise.
By matching your accommodation to the type of holiday you’re going on, you get to enjoy your hard-earned time off.
Consider who you are travelling with
Unless you’re travelling solo – and almost a quarter of us are going it alone – you’ll need to factor in who you’re going away with.
If you’re tasked with booking this trip, think about the number of people in your party. Who are they and what are their individual needs? If you’re travelling with your partner, a boutique hotel room might be ideal.
But if you’re in a larger group, you’ll require a completely different setup. For instance, if you’re a parent planning a family trip in Europe, villas in Spain feature multiple bedrooms and self-catering kitchens that are perfect for picky eaters. You can also search for properties that accommodate grandparents who might not want to climb stairs.
Likewise, a self-catering villa is ideal if you’re travelling with friends. A property with dedicated communal areas rather than a hotel works well, as you get to share experiences together.
Think about location and convenience
Proximity to the main attractions is also key. Staying within walking distance of the beach means you can pop back to your room whenever you forget your sunscreen or need a nap.
If you rely on trains or buses, choose a property situated near a major transport hub to streamline your day trips. Mapping out your top three must-see spots before booking ensures you will not waste your precious holiday hours sitting in traffic.
Look beyond the headline price
There’s more to a low nightly rate. To find the true price of a property, you’ll need to add in any hidden expenses.
A hotel located outside of the city centre might look like it’s great value for money, but you could have no choice but to pay for expensive evening taxis or daily train tickets to get where you need to be. Similarly, a slightly pricier room that includes breakfast can be cheaper for a family of four every morning.
Weigh the total cost of food, transport and amenities against the base price to find the right match for your budget.
Check reviews for real-world insights
Glossy marketing photographs rarely tell the whole story. Check out review platforms where you’ll get an honest glimpse into the daily reality of the accommodation.
Look specifically for feedback written by travellers who share your specific circumstances, such as families travelling with toddlers or remote workers needing reliable Wi-Fi. These write-ups frequently highlight details like a broken lift or thin walls that the property owner deliberately hid from the official description.
Ready to book your holiday?
