Three things to consider when choosing accommodation for your perfect holiday

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When you think about your perfect holiday, what does that look like? 

You already know what type of traveller you are and who you are travelling with. You would also have decided on the destination of your holiday. The next natural step is to figure out what type of accommodation is going to be best for your time away. This can change depending on your location, the occasion, and who you are travelling with but once you figure out what is important to you, each time you book, it becomes easier. 

For example, when my husband and I travel with our two kids, we prefer to book somewhere with a kettle and a small fridge. This way we can have a coffee first thing and can keep yoghurts, milk, and fruit for breakfast. (and if you were wondering how we manage to eat and drink in a room without a kitchen, head over and read The items we never leave home without. 

When we travel; solo, as a couple, or as a family, we choose to book through booking.com. We have booked everything from campsites to 5-star hotels using this platform. More recently we have used the site for booking B&B’s and self-contained villas too. 

Before you scroll through the many choices you get once you have searched by date and location, consider the points mentioned below. This way you can add more filters to narrow down your search for the perfect accommodation. 

1. What is your perfect holiday location?

The reason you are heading on a holiday is to relax and unwind. Most people also want to have new experiences and see the sights, so the last thing you want to be doing is driving or navigating public transport to get to those places of interest. Start by listing the places you want to see and the activities you want to do, then check out the different types of accommodations that are close by. 

Having the option to walk or to use public transport for short distances, will not only make your holiday more relaxing but it will be a cost-saver in the long run too.

2. Think About Your Stomach

Before choosing your accommodation, decide on your budget and what type of meals work best for you and your travel companions.  If you are travelling with children, booking accommodation with a kitchen is a great choice. This way you can prepare breakfast, dinner or snacks in your room. We personally find this style of travelling a perfect holiday as it allows us to start off the day as early as we like without relying on breakfast service times (or if you are like me, you need a coffee as soon as you wake up). 

If you are enjoying a romantic weekend away, you may want to choose accommodation like a villa or a resort. Search for options that may have an onsite chef or one that has an option for room service or a restaurant on site. 

Maybe you are planning to head out on the town for all your meals? Don’t forget to choose accommodation somewhere that is surrounded by many dine-in and takeaway options. And if you choose a self-catering option, check out the location of the closest supermarket to make things easier for you. 

3. Atmosphere and design

While it probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when choosing holiday accommodation, how a place looks can really add to the vacation feel. Make a point of checking out photos before you book, as well as reviews that may comment if the photos are true to what guests found at check-in. There is no point booking the perfect accommodation, then not feeling relaxed or comfortable once you get there. 

The atmosphere goes beyond the four walls you will be sleeping in. What is the point of a beachside getaway when the view from the balcony is off the back of a building? Or booking a country getaway but it is located right next to a highway.

When it comes to the design, consider who you are travelling with? Are you travelling with kids? Then you might not want bright white decor and glass coffee tables. Perhaps you are holidaying with friends so sharing one bathroom will not be ideal, nor would sharing a room as two couples. 

Final Thoughts

The process of picking the perfect accommodation for your holiday does not need to be overwhelming. It should be fun and add to the excitement of your upcoming vacation, not add stress and worry and the longing for the whole thing to be over. No matter where you choose to stay, using platforms like booking.com can make the process easier as well as the added benefit of keeping track of all your booking information via an app.