After booking your holiday flights, the next most important decision to make is where you are going to stay during your vacation. This all depends on the budget you have available, your preferred style and the dates you want to travel.
In this article, we’ll reveal our top tips for finding a comfortable and convenient base, no matter what type of holiday you are planning.
Use a trusted booking site
It’s easy to get sucked into what seems like a really great accommodation deal, only to have it cancelled at the last minute, without any explanation.
By using a trustworthy holiday accommodation booking site, you’ll not only find competitive rates but the customer support you need to travel with peace of mind.
At Rentola Melbourne listings, you can browse and compare holiday apartments and houses throughout the Victorian capital and rest assured there won’t be any unexpected costs or inconveniences to deal with that could ruin your holiday. Use the property as a base to enjoy all the laughs of the Melbourne Comedy Festival or experience the thrill of an AFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Select your location carefully
No matter where in the world you choose to visit, the location of your accommodation can make a big difference to your stay. Do you want to be in the heart of all the action and within walking distance of major tourist sites or would you prefer a more “local” flavour in the suburbs?
Check to see how close the accommodation is to things like public transportation and restaurants so that you don’t have to walk too far at the end of the day. If you’re staying in a more remote setting, consider whether you will need to book a rental car to get around or if there are trains and buses that will get you there.
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Know your aesthetic
Staying in a holiday rental is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely different atmosphere from that of your home. Maybe it’s high-end luxury you’re looking for or a minimalist approach, or perhaps you’re after something with a boho vibe.
It might be fun to stay in a property that is characteristic of your destination, such as a cottage in the Cotswolds or a penthouse apartment in New York City. If you’re staying by the coast, maybe you want a breezy house with a beach-inspired aesthetic or perhaps you want to cosy up in a traditional log cabin in the mountains.
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Read online reviews
Many online booking sites use a star rating for their properties but this only gives you part of the picture. Yes, they can be a good indication of the overall satisfaction of previous guests but they don’t get into the nitty, gritty details.
Reviews, on the other hand, are a great resource for finding out if the accommodation lived up to expectations and any “surprises” you should be aware of. When reading reviews, consider how your travel style and desires compare to that of the reviewer and whether any issues they may have encountered might be relevant to you.
Check what facilities and services are included
For some people, having a comfortable place to rest their head at the end of the day is all they are looking for in a holiday rental. For others, they want a gym so they never miss a workout or a pool where they can laze for hours in a sun lounger. Other travellers have a kitchen high-up on their “must have” list so that they can at least prepare some of their meals.
While searching for travel accommodation, check what facilities and services are included in the stay and what may be available for an additional charge. Is there onsite parking? Will you have access to a washing machine? Is Wi-Fi provided complementarily? For some travellers, none of these things will be important, while for others, they will be.
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Look for hidden costs
While two properties might be priced exactly the same, one might offer a lot more value when it comes to added extras. This might include things such as a complimentary breakfast or maybe the vacation homeowner provides a welcome hamper with bread, milk and a bottle of wine.
On the flip side, they might charge extra for bed linen and towels or add in a cleaning cost at the end of the stay. If there is a swimming pool, it might only be heated during particular months and for the rest of the year, you will have to foot the bill. Carefully scrutinise what is and isn’t included so you aren’t bombarded with extra charges down the line.
Book early
Last but not least, the earlier you book, the better the accommodation you will find. As they say, “the early bird catches the worm” and this is true for holiday rentals. The best places always get snatched up early, so if you leave it to the last minute, you might find yourself with slim pickings.
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Rentola.
