DIY Vacation - Part 2

WHERE TO STAY

When you have decided on a destination, the most logical move may be to book your air ticket. But, I feel it is better to find a place to stay first. Hotels tend to be more flexible and may not charge for cancellation in the event that you cannot get your air-ticket.

Look around online (I like expedia.com) for the best rates. Then email the hotel reservations department to see if you can get a better price. Some hotels charge by per head but most charge by per room, which accommodates up to 2 guests. If there are three of you, check how much it costs to accommodate an additional bed/guest in the same room.

For your own convenience, you should ensure that your hotel is in the city, near the city or near a train/bus station and takes you less than 15 minutes to get to the city.

You probably want to ask the reservations team these questions:

1. Ask if breakfast is included. Think about whether you really need breakfast coz the difference can be 20 to 40 dollars per day. I would rather not go for the hotel buffet breakfast as the food is usually the same everywhere in the world. I don’t like to eat too much for breakfast and I will rather try the local food. Also, if you stuff yourself, you will end up feeling uncomfortable for the rest of the morning and won’t have the stomach for lunch. Since you are only going to be at your choice destination for a couple of days, make every meal count. You want to be able to try as much variety of food and as many restaurants as possible. However, if the difference between breakfast or no breakfast is insignificant, just go with breakfast.

2. Ask about early bird rates if it is still more than a month to your vacation (they may be even cheaper than airline crew rates). These usually come with a cancellation charge clause or in some instances, no refund. If that is the case, quickly book your air ticket before handing over your credit card details. If the rates are very similar to expedia.com, I would book directly with the hotel via email as expedia.com charges an administrative fee.

3. Ask if the hotel provides transport to and from the airport and if they charge a transfer fee. Some hotels may charge a bit more than others but if they provide free airport transfer, you might want to consider it. Taxi transfers can be costly. I paid about 60 Swiss Francs (in Switzerland) and 50 pounds (in London) for a one-way journey.

If you want to be more adventurous, don’t book your accommodation before you arrive at your destination. Since you won’t be tired after your long journey, you can walk around the city with your luggage to shop for the best place and rates. But be prepared to sleep on the streets/park if there is nothing available or pay exorbitant fees for the higher end hotels.

It is probably wiser to book a room, at least for your first night and then spend the day shopping around if you don’t like the place.