If you’re traveling; whether it is overnight or for a long period of time you will inevitably need a place to stay. In my travels, the three main options I have found include Hotels, Hostels, or an Airbnb. Some are cheaper than others and some may have different amenities but this post is here to help break down what each one consists of so that you can make the right decision for you the next time you stay somewhere abroad.
Hotels
Hotels are nice to stay in. Typically the go-to option for families, they are great because you have a guaranteed private room and bathroom. Depending on service there you could enjoy extra amenities like room service, recreational facilities, and a helpful 24hr concierge. Most hotels are also often in popular areas of a city which provide you with minimal travel to get to touristy spots. If you are a solo traveler this may not be the cheapest option for you though as most rooms are ideal for more than one person. If you plan to use your accommodation for more than a nights rest than a hotel would be a preferable choice as it provides you with your own private area to relax in. For families or groups of people willing to split a cost, this can be a nice choice.
Hostels
Hostels are great for a solo traveler. They tend to be the cheapest option available and if you are looking to be out and about for most of your travels then this is definitely a great option. Many hostels have different rooming options which can help travelers find the option they are most comfortable. Some rooms may be single gender or mixed and they can range from 4-12 people per space.
Learning your preferences and knowing what to actively look for can help you have a great experience. Some of my preferences included a mandatory locker in the room for my belongings, an outlet by every bed to ensure my devices could be charged, free wifi, and 24hr security. I’ve stayed in a variety of different hostels and you also learn from experience what you like and don’t like. Hostelworld is an amazing website which allows you to filter Hostels based on your preferences (Pro-Tip if you find a hostel on Hostelworld and want to go with it, check out that hostel’s personal website first to see if there is a better deal on a room).
Location also plays a big part in choosing as well. It can be extremely important when it comes to hostels. I once stayed in a hostel in Paris near Gare Du Nord and it wasn’t the best area to be around at night, the hostel itself was really nice though. During my next stay, I chose a different option that was in a nicer area and I enjoyed it very much there! Hostels can be a bit of a toss-up but researching them prior always helps the experience.
Airbnb’s
Airbnb’s are also a great option when traveling for a longer period of time. Everything goes through an approval period between yourself and the owner of the space to ensure everything is secure and safe. The company will also have you verify your identity by sending in pictures of your ID for security purposes (This is a one-time thing that happens when you create your account). You have direct communication with the person who owns the space so that if you have any questions or issues they can be brought up. You do need the app in order to accurately contact others because direct texts to your phone will only show a preview of the entire message sent to you.
I stayed in an Airbnb in Geneva, Switzerland and it was an interesting experience where my group of friends and I had the top half of a two-floor house (Fun fact their tap water came from the same source that Evian water comes from). Similar to Hostelworld, you can pick preferences; private room vs entire space, shared area, etc. This is a great option if you are traveling with a group of people as you can split the cost and rent out a large space together. If you are looking for a more central city option than this may get costly. My friends and I booked ours outside of the city so that we could save some money. We didn’t mind using public transportation to get into the city. Overall, I didn’t have any direct issues with the Airbnb itself but I found that I would prefer having the entire space for myself rather than share it with those who lived there.
It’s Your Call
Ultimately you know what’s best for your needs. If I’m alone, on a budget, and not looking to spend most of my stay relaxing then I’m probably going to pick a hostel but everyone’s preferences are different, maybe a spa at a hotel is a must for you! Remember whereever you are staying, ensure your location is a good distance near the airport, train station, bus etc. It’s always beneficial to ensure you catch your transportation back home or to your next destination. At the end of the day, whichever you choose just make sure you are making an informed decision and that you know what to expect when you’re going into your stay!