Alright, guys, let’s talk about booking places to stay using those travel search engines. I’ve done this a bunch of times, so I’ll walk you through my usual process.
Figure Out Your Trip Basics
First things first, I grab a piece of paper and I get clear on the basics. I wrote down the location of destination. Then how many days I am staying and roughly calculate the budget. This helps me narrow things down later.
Start with a Broad Search
Next, I open my web browser and fired up a couple of the big travel search engines. I usually start with one and cross-check with another to see if I’m getting similar results. I typed in my destination and dates. I don’t get too specific with filters at this point – I just want to see what’s generally available.
Use Filters Wisely
Then, I use filters to narrow down the option, which will help me a lot to decide.
- Price Range:I set a maximum price per night that I’m comfortable with.
- Property Type: I usually tick the box like hotel, apartment or something else.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is a must, so I always check that. Then see If breakfast included, parking, a pool – whatever floats your boat. I tick the box.
- Star Rating/User Reviews:If I’m looking for something decent, I might set a minimum star rating. I do check to find good user ratings, and I always glance at the reviews to get a feel for the place.
Map View is Your Friend
I click on the “map view” option to search. It’s easier for me to see where things are located. I always look to check proximity to public transport, or whatever I plan on doing in the area.
Dig into the Details
Once I’ve got a shortlist, I click through to check the individual property listings. This is where you need to pay attention!
- Read the Fine Print:I double checked on cancellation policies, extra fees, and all that stuff.
- Look at Photos:I looked at the photos, but I tried not to get too swayed by super-fancy marketing shots.
Compare and Contrast
I usually open a few tabs and compare my top choices side-by-side. I looked at price, location, amenities, and reviews. I also do comparing to find out a good deal for my options.
Book It!
Finally, I decide to make the decision and booking on it. I clicked through, double-checked all the details again, and hit that “book” button. I always make sure I get a confirmation email and save it somewhere safe.
Double-Check Everything
After booking, I got the confirmation email. I confirmed the dates, the price, and the cancellation policy one last time. Just to be sure, I print the confirmation email for backup.
That’s pretty much it! It might seem like a lot of steps, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward. Happy travels!
