While travelling internationally it’s a dream for many, and some may also often travel for official work. So, in either case, planning is important and exciting. It is about exploring a new place, trying different food and an escape from the everyday routine. But the real deal breaker is actually finding the right hotel to stay in. A wrong choice can really affect your comfort, safety and in some cases even your budget. Although now, given that online booking feels easy, often there are some mistakes that travellers usually make while booking a hotel internationally. These can be totally avoided with a little awareness and preparation.
Don’t Ignore the Location
More often than less, travellers usually choose hotels based only on seeing pictures and ratings, but forget to check the actual location. Now there is a possibility you might get the resort, but it is far away from major attractions or public transport. This can lead to a long commute and unnecessary expenses. Always choose a hotel that is a balance of both comfort and convenience, like hotels or resorts close to restaurants, tourist spots and transport hubs. So before you finalise a hotel, always ensure to use the map on the hotel bookings website to check what is all around.
Reviews and Ratings
Most travellers usually rely on the online reviews alone. However, these ratings are honest insights of people who have stayed at the hotel before. But if you want, you can avoid this step altogether, like a few reviews which are constantly complaining about the cleanliness, staff behaviour, or poor service are red flags. So always read both the positive and negative reviews to get a fair idea.
In this one fair tip is to check the reviews of people who have stayed with family, and what their feedback is, was it comfortable, is it safe, this can be a good point to book the hotel for your stay.
Comparing Hotel Prices Across Platforms
One of the most common mistakes people often make is booking the first deal at the hotel they find. Now, while there is nothing really wrong with it, if you take some time and compare the prices across websites, chances are the prices will vary. Now, for instance, Booking.com is known for competitive pricing and offers a wide range of accommodation options. It also comes with a flexible cancellation policy, like the last-minute deals and discounts to save money without having to compromise on comfort. And, just taking a few minutes and comparing prices across different websites will help you save more.
Hotel Policies
So one thing travellers usually don’t consider is the different types of policies that hotels have, like cancellations, check-in times or any other extra charges. If you overlook these details, they can become a big issue later. Now, say if you arrive after a long flight and the hotel is charging you extra for an early check-in. Likewise, cancellation policies for some hotels also vary; some bookings are non-refundable. So before you make the final call, go through the policies of the hotel firsthand. It is always better to choose a hotel with a flexible policy, especially when you are travelling internationally.
Checking Trusted Travel Portals
More often than not, travellers miss out on helpful travel insights because they are hugely dependent on booking sites. Some trusted news and travel portals like Corriere Nazionale share updates on global travel trends. They also have safety guidelines and insights into some international destinations. While booking and finalising your stay, this is one good step to explore such platforms before booking, as it helps in making smarter decisions, especially regarding the regional rules, updates on visa and many other factors.
Check the Hidden Fees
Most hotels will display an attractive nightly rate, but when the final bill arrives, it will come with extra charges. It could include resort fees, city taxes, and even wifi costs. Before you finalise your stay at a hotel, always check what all is included in the price. A slightly higher rate that includes breakfast or free airport transfer might offer a cheaper rate in the end. Transparency is crucial, and you should be well-versed with all the inclusions and exclusions from the start.
Amenities and Room Details
Let’s get this straight, while you are browsing through a hotel and check a few rooms which are a bit pricey, and hence you opt for the cheapest, and expect the same facilities one in the expensive room, is completely wrong because not every room comes with the same amenities, like a private bathroom, breakfast, and other essentials. Before you book for a slightly cheaper option, check for the amenities included. It is important if you are travelling with elders or children, in such cases, look for elevators, bigger rooms and accessible bathrooms. Just a few extra minutes before finalising can save you from the discomfort later.
No Compromise on Safety
While booking a hotel or a resort in a foreign country, one of the most important factors is to consider safety, and for it to be your top priority. Use the map to check if the hotel is in a well-lit area, with the eateries, police station around, and it is more important if you are travelling solo. In such a case, even if you have to pay extra to get a hotel in a good, crowded neighbourhood with all the essentials around, it is still better to pay more than risk your peace.
Ending Thoughts
Booking an international hotel does not have to be stressful. It is considered that a few key factors, as mentioned in this blog, are important for safety and also to not compromise on your comfort or convenience so that you can enjoy your trip peacefully.