General, any destination · About 5 min read
How to Choose the Perfect Place to Stay Abroad
Because even the biggest adventures deserve a comfy bed at the end of the day.
Found a gorgeous room with a balcony, an amazing view, and a pool — all at a price that seems too good to be true?
Before you hit that booking button, make sure it’s actually a great deal and not a place that requires a three-hour journey just to get to breakfast.
So how do you find somewhere that’s comfortable, affordable, and in the right location? We’ve got you covered.
⚡ Short and Sweet – The Three Golden Rules
- 📍Location, location, location: A cheap room in the middle of nowhere might end up costing you a fortune in transportation.
- ⭐Don’t trust the photos alone: Even a storage closet can look luxurious with the right lighting. Read the reviews.
- 💰Check the real price: Taxes, cleaning fees, parking, and breakfast can turn a bargain into a budget disaster.
🧳 Let’s Find Your Perfect Stay!
1. First Things First – Location! 📍
Where you stay can make or break your trip.
Before booking, open a map and check:
- 🚶 How long does it take to reach the main attractions?
- 🚇 Is there convenient public transportation nearby?
- 🍝 Are there restaurants, shops, and places to hang out?
- 🌙 How easy is it to get back at night?
Remember: a cheap hotel that’s an hour away from everything might not be such a great deal after all.
2. Hotel, Apartment, or Hostel? 🛏️
There’s no single right answer. It all depends on your travel style.
- 🏨 Hotel: Great if you want comfort, service, and fewer things to worry about. Some even include breakfast and daily cleaning.
- 🏠 Apartment: Perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants more space and the option to cook.
- 🎒 Hostel: Often a budget-friendly choice and a great way to meet fellow travelers.
Just remember: if you’re booking a bed in a shared room, check how many people you’ll be sharing with.
There’s a slight difference between sleeping next to three strangers and sharing a room with an entire soccer team.
3. Pretty Pictures Are Nice, but What Do the Guests Say? ⭐
Hotel photos have a magical ability to make even the smallest room look like a royal palace.
But if you want to know what a place is really like, read reviews from people who’ve actually stayed there.
Pay special attention to:
- 🧹 Cleanliness and maintenance.
- 🛌 Bed comfort and noise levels.
- 🚿 Hot water, air conditioning, and heating.
- 📍 Location and accessibility.
- 🤝 Service and communication with the hosts.
4. The Price You See Isn’t Always the Price You Pay 💸
Found an amazing deal? Nice! Now let’s see how much it actually costs.
Before booking, check for:
- 💰 Local taxes and tourist fees.
- 🧼 Cleaning fees, especially for apartments.
- 🚗 Parking costs if you’re renting a car.
- 🍳 Breakfast — included or extra?
- 🔄 Cancellation and booking change policies.
And don’t forget transportation costs!
A slightly more expensive place in a central location might actually save you money on getting around.
The rule is simple: Compare the total cost of your stay, not just the price per night.
5. Don’t Forget the Little Things 🔑
Some details are easy to overlook when booking, but a lot less fun to discover at 2 a.m.
For example:
- 🕒 What time are check-in and check-out?
- 🧳 Can you leave your luggage before your room is ready?
- 🛜 Is Wi-Fi available?
- 🏢 Is there an elevator if your room is on a high floor?
- ❄️ Is there air conditioning or heating for the season?
And if you’re arriving in the middle of the night, make sure you can actually get into the property.
Because after a long flight, the last thing you want is to become best friends with the sidewalk outside your hotel.
6. Don’t Pay for Things You Won’t Use 🎯
A pool, spa, gym, private balcony, and ocean view all sound incredible.
But if you’re planning to leave at 8 a.m. and return at 10 p.m., will you actually use any of them?
On the other hand, if you’re planning a relaxing vacation with plenty of time at the hotel, spending a little extra might be totally worth it.
💡 Bijou’s Biggest Tip
Choose your accommodation based on the experience you want, not how many stars it has.
Sometimes a simple room in an amazing location can make your trip much better than a luxury hotel miles away from everything.
After all, you’re traveling to see the world, not just the ceiling of your hotel room.
Unless you’ve booked a place with a 16th-century painted ceiling. In that case, fair enough.
✅ Before You Hit That Booking Button
Let’s make sure you’ve covered everything:
0 of 6 checked
Checked everything? Awesome! 🧳
Now all that’s left is to hope your room isn’t next to the elevator — or a neighbor who decides to practice the trumpet at 3 a.m.
Bijou – Plan easily, travel smart. 🌍