Booking Accommodations

where you stay can often make or break your trip. Whether you are looking for something unique and immersive, or perhaps just a cheap place to rest your head, I have you covered.

Below are my go-to sites when I’m choosing my trip accommodations. I’ve also added tips to make sure you find the property that best suits your interests.

general tips

choose a neighborhood

City Center | When booking accommodations, I typically do a quick Google Maps search of where the bars and restaurants are, that way I can gauge where most of the action is. While staying in the city center can be a bit more expensive, you save on transportation.

Specific Area | Sometimes a city has very distinct neighborhoods offering palpable atmospheres; business cores, artsy/hip areas, danger zones, etc. To make sure I’m staying in an area that matches my interests, I like to do a quick search about a city’s neighborhoods. Personally, I enjoy quirky, up-and-coming areas. For example, in Lima, the city center is a bit too bustling, so we stayed in Miraflores, however, we ended up spending most of the time in the art-filled Barranco neighborhood and probably should have stayed there instead!

type of experience

Looking for something unique? Try Airbnb. Interested in meeting others? Perhaps a social hostel with an event calendar is up your alley. Want an easy place where you aren’t bothered? A hotel may be the way to go. First determine what your experience you are hoping to have and then pair the accommodation choice to that.

costs

Inclusions | When comparing prices, I like to consider included, such as breakfast or taxes. Many cities will tack on a tax, so it is good to know if it will be an additional cost or if it is included in the presented rate.

Free Cancellation | Many hotels will have non-refundable rooms at a slightly lower cost, but I always choose the refundable option because you never know if plans change. I’ll also select a property that offers free cancellations over ones that do not.

finding properties

agoda

best rates - Great for asia

Founded in Thailand and headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is an especially good source for those traveling in Asia as they have a comprehensive portfolio to work with. I can confidently say that 80% of my hotels were booked via Agoda for the 2 years I traveled through Asia. They of course offer other destinations as well, such as Europe and the United States, but Asia is their bread and butter.

Book with Agoda

airbnb

Best for unique, authentic experiences

If you are looking to feel like a local, try staying at a local’s home! Some properties are rooms in a host’s house, while others are private and entirely for the guest. The range of options are endless - stay in a teepee in Bryce Canyon, a cave in Greece overlooking the water, or a lovely riad in Marrakech.

Airbnb is best for stays of 2-3 nights or more as the cleaning and service fees ($30-$100 per stay) can begin to add up. It can also be difficult to coordinate a meet up with a host, though many now offer instructions on where to find keys or have an electronic keypad to enter, making the process easier. For a one-night stay, I find it to be a bit of a hassle and would rather check into a hotel with a desk, but for those with time, Airbnb is limitless!

Recently, they also launched Airbnb Experiences, which I’ve personally enjoyed as they allow for a deeper interaction with the destination through more authentic means. Essentially, instead of offering homes, locals offer their skills (i.e. city tour, hikes, yoga instruction, sailing) or provide an experience (i.e. sheep walking, jewelry making, beer brewing workshop). One of my favorite stays was in Colorado where we stayed in a yurt on a camel and donkey farm. The gracious hosts spent the morning showing us around and introduced us to their animals and way of life.

Book your Airbnb

selina hostel & hotels

Boutique hostels and affordable hotels in latin america

Say hello to my new found love, Selina. I only wish I’d found her sooner.

Selina is more than just a property to stay at - it is an experience that offers work spaces, activities, and community. It is a new-ish company founded by two friends who, after traveling the world themselves, wanted to change how hostels were viewed. “Why should hostels be dirty, bottom-of-the-barrel options?” asked one friend, probably. “They don’t have to be. They can be tasteful and lovely and we shall make it our life mission to make it happen!” countered the other. presumably. And a few investors later, Selina was born into the world.

They are primarily located in Latin America, though they are taking over the globe (literally). Each property is clean and well-designed (all with a different, unique flair) offering multiple types of rooms; shared bunks, double rooms, long-stay apartments, and more. Personally, I enjoy the option of a social atmosphere, paired with the comfort of a private hotel room, all at an affordable cost.

Stay with Selina

booking.com

most comprehensive for hotels

If you need a hotel, this site has it. With over one million properties worldwide, there is a high likelihood that you will find something in your price range, preferred comfort level, and geographical area. While they mostly work with hotels, there are also apartments, home stays, and more. Since they are a massive company, there are also a ton of reviews to vet properties and make sure you are booking the best place for you.

Check out Booking.com

hostelworld

Best for budget backpackers and solo travelers

Hostelworld is a comprehensive booking platform that caters to budget-conscious travelers and those seeking social experiences (translation: young backpackers). The website and app are both simple to use, and ample guest reviews makes finding a good match a breeze.

With Europe’s massive network of hostels, Hostelworld was my go-to platform for booking accommodations.