Planning a Holiday the Stress-Free Way
Going on holiday or at least planning a holiday can be more stressful than you might think. There is a lot of research and preparation that goes into finding the perfect accommodation at the right price and in an ideal area. Of course, this can be easy as pie if you choose to go through a travel agency. In that case, they will do all the work for you, but at a price. We look at four factors you should take into account when looking for your ideal accommodation spot.
1. Determine Your Budget
Before anything else, determine how much you are willing to spend on accommodation for the entire duration of your stay. This will allow you to focus on a shortlist of places you know you can afford. Remember to take note of how much you are being charged per night and whether this amount includes breakfast or any additional meals. If you plan to cut costs by making your own food rather than eating out, consider self-catering accommodation options only. Also, remember to check any hidden costs such as cleaning fees or cancellation fees, and always check the Ts and Cs.
2. Check The Ratings
Ratings are a huge help, as they offer insights into what other holidaymakers have experienced at those particular hotels or lodges. Ratings are usually in the form of stars as well as additional comments. These comments can provide insider information you may not have found on each accommodations individual websites.
3. Research the Facilities
Research all the facilities that each hotel or bed and breakfast has to offer and determine which are important to you and which are not. If you are staying near the beach, then perhaps a pool at your accommodation location will not be essential to you. Consider other facilities such as a braai area, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, a gym, and the list goes on. Depending on your needs and requirements, you can easily reduce your list of potential accommodation spots to a manageable amount.
4. Location, Location, Location
Location is everything, especially if your holiday destination is near a particular tourist attraction. There is no point in finding accommodation far from all the hustle and bustle if that is where you want to be. If you wish to be away from all the touristy areas, by all means, look for a secluded spot. However, if it is important that you are close to amenities, take into account the cost of the accommodation as well as the cost of transport (Uber, public transport or renting a car). Are you willing to pay a slightly higher accommodation fee in exchange for nearby amenities, or would you prefer to pay less for accommodation and incur the cost of transport… the choice is yours.
Lastly, make sure the place you choose is child-friendly if you are bringing kids along or pet friendly if you wish to bring your furry friends with you. If possible, book your accommodation as soon as possible to get a better price. This is especially important if you are booking accommodation in a location that is popular or during peak-time.