On Your Own

Since starting research for my next trip, I have had enlightenment thrust upon me!
Always the cheapskate, like most people I search for the best bargains that fit within my criteria. Not the least being accommodation costs as all travelers know take a large amount of a planned budget but with some creative scheming and well thought out plans these costs can be trimmed accordingly. Along with accommodation costs though, are incidentals like bags, tours, even toilet stops, particularly in Europe.

Accommodation searches are much helped by reviews on some sites, by people who have been there and actually experienced that establishment. Some people on forums have mentioned that poor reviews are not necessarily shown, thus giving a somewhat biased view of a hotel-hostel- or bed & breakfast businesses. Another way to get the place that suits you and your budget is looking closely at the location. Ask yourself whether you are willing to trade the price for the location? Saving money with a central location that allows you to walk and see the sights without having to pay for taxis or some form of transport. Cheapest is not necessarily the best for cleanliness, comfort or position but if your budget is limited your accomodation choices are reduced, but with flare you can sleep like a king.

We discovered this quite accidentally after booking a hotel in the US, we later found it reviewed as one of the top 10 dirtiest hotels in the country! It had changed hands and we did our best to cancel the booking. Obviously, panic set in so we gritted our teeth and duly arrived to find that the previous owners had asked the current owners to upgrade us. We enjoyed a huge suite for a low price that suited our needs beautifully. It made our stay there a memorable one.

While I am comfortable staying in hostels, many people do not realize most will have rooms that may suit an individual, family or group of people. Be aware that some will have age restrictions whether for children, some will be only for the student traveler, and yet others have an age limit restricting those of us in the upper age bracket. Hostels do save money but you cannot expect grand hotel facilities on a budget. Hostels also have reviews that can be read and applied with some accuracy.

A mistake some travelers make is limiting their accommodation choices to hotels and hostels. Research has shown there are many other choices from couch surfing where you can crash at a reciprocal couch owner’s place, to staying in convents or castles in Europe. Convents in Italy are clean and very popular so booking is necessary. There are private homes where people are made to feel welcome, and experience the hospitality of another culture. These are worthwhile as some include meals along with the addition of local knowledge and advice. This has the advantages of getting to see some off the beaten track sights, which can be the highlight of a journey.