Monday, 21 November 2016

Where to stay, where to stay

Finding accommodation is the more enjoyable part of travel preparation for me. I like doing research and finding bargains.

In Europe, it's hostels all the way. Hostelling International has a great network.

People of all ages are welcome. Beds are comfortable and clean. Prices are reasonable. In most places, breakfast is provided. I've seen many backpackers grab a few extra slices of bread for the road and they weren't chased down that road by irate hostel staff so I'm guessing that's a pretty regular practice.

On the one hand, if you'll be out all day there's no sense in paying for a hotel room.

On the other hand, if you're staying in one place for several days, a hotel does make some sense because the alternative is to lug your possessions about with you or to find a locker to rent for the day.

In Asia, hotels, minimum three stars, are best in my experience.
The hotels I stayed at in India and the Maldives were really good. So were most in Malaysia, except the one in Kuala Lumpur with its leaky shower that drove the room's occupants a bit crazy over time.

What I got to experience in Vietnam was quite special. There were hotel stays, a night in a bunk bed on a train, a home stay in a remote village sleeping on mattresses on the ground and a night on an anchored boat.

I stayed with family in the USA so I can't comment on what to try or not over there.

In New Zealand, because the tour I took catered to a slightly older crowd, the hotels were a bit fancy. And I was lucky because as a solo traveller, even though I had agreed to share with another available traveller, I got my own room in every city. So, I stayed in near luxury! 😆

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