Best Tips On Booking Your Accommodation Online
Booking a place to stay can be daunting, especially with so many booking sites available today. Scouring the internet for the best rooms at the best prices can leave you feeling confused and anxious about signing away your credit card information, but with a little guidance on how to easily navigate the sites and safely book your stay, you’ll be an online booking expert in no time!
Understand Your Locale
The scope of your travel needs will determine what’s best suited for accommodations for your stay. Cities, towns, historical sites, and rural locations will all differ in their booking venues, and some accommodations are better for certain trips. Travelers can find cozy, convenient lodging for $50, $20 or even free in virtually every destination -- as long as they know where to look.
Accommodation Type | What is it? | Best for: | How to Book: |
Hotel Room | Traditional favorite - a room in a complex | Those looking for a comfortable stay at an affordable price |
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Hostel | A bed in a shared dorm | The unscheduled traveler who appreciates adventure and affordability |
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Private Cottage | Larger accommodation for those seeking privacy | Those looking for unique and comfortable lodging and willing to pay the extra cost |
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Short-Term Room Rental | A cross between vacation rentals and homestays | If you’re open to a small bedroom/bath with a little conversation |
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Homestay | Sleeping in someone’s spare room or on their couch | A trusting and trustworthy traveler with a friendly demeanor |
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2. Compare Prices Online
Expedia, Kayak (an aggregator of other search engines), Orbitz, Priceline (an auction style site that allows you to name the price you are willing to pay) and Travelocity are just a few of the places to start your search. If Internet access is key, check out HotelChatter, which rates the quality of access in thousands of hotels around the globe.
Web sites don’t always list the tacked on fees and regulatory surcharges. Call the hotel and ask before you book, or your bargain may be a bust.
3. Understand Your Booking Website
Every booking website is different, and while some may take a full payment upon booking, others will take 10% and then require the rest of the payment upon arrival. It depends on which site you choose and their specific policies, and even direct booking through a hotel website, for instance, can be vastly different from booking the same room through a third-party website. Check to make sure you understand the payment requirements when you book your stay.
4. Be Flexible
While booking sites will differ in the details, the general setup is that you choose your booking dates as well as how many people you’re booking a place for, and the website will return to you a list of rooms that fit your criteria. You’ll find that the more flexible you are about booking dates, the more likely you are to catch a better deal! Google Hotel Finder will tell you the best time to stay at a destination.
5. Take Advantage of Web-Only Discounts
The great part about using online booking websites is that many will accept promo codes for discounts. These are mostly available as an online-only promotion, and you can scour websites like Hotels.com, Retail Me Not, Orbitz.com or Coupon Heaven to see if your booking website has any active offers. Also, you may be entitled to a discount if you are you a member of AARP, AAA, a professional group such as the American Bar Association or the American Medical Association. If you’re unsure, you can always call the booking website to see if you qualify.
6. Use Secure Payment Methods
At the end of the day,booking online can still be a threat to your credit card security. Many of the more common trusted sites we’ve listed above are of no consequence, but other newer travel sites or third-party booking agencies can be dangerous. Never make a money transfer to any private individuals that are offering you a place to stay, and always use official website with secured payment methods. If something doesn’t feel right, quickly search their credibility online or give the booking location a call directly to see if they’ve had any issues.
Booking online can be an easy way to reserve your stay, regardless of your travel destination. Utilizing trusted websites can be an affordable, quick option for travelers worldwide.
