Tourism has become a viable industry for many countries. The world is quickly becoming more cosmopolitan and countries more open to foreigners. These days, travel is becoming increasingly affordable. Hotels and resorts have joined the fun, coming up with discounts and special rates for travelers. And nowadays, even the smallest towns can usually boast of one or two hotel. With the prevalence of hotels and other types of lodging, there are several factors you might want to consider when choosing your lodging (aside from budget, of course), especially if it’s your first time to stay in that location. Here are some suggestions:
• If you have a friend or a relative in that area, get suggestions about hotels or places to stay in. If you already have a hotel in mind, ask them to scout ahead and check out the place.
• Check the star rating for the hotel. Be warned, though, this is not 100% reliable, since there isn’t a universally standard criterion for classifying hotels. In general, the lower the star, the cheaper the hotel and the more basic are the amenities.
• Consider the hotel’s location. If you’re coming to town for business, you might want to stay downtown or opt for a hotel near the event. Couples wanting to relax might want a hotel far from civilization.
• Think about the people traveling with you. If you’re traveling with kids, convenience and safety should be the highest priority. If you have a person with special needs in your party, you might want to look for a place that has facilities suited for his needs.
• Check out the amenities. If you’re vacationing with teenagers, staying in a place with no cable could mean hell for you and your brood. Also, believe it or not, there are still some hotels that don’t have air-conditioning.
• Check online for the latest information and reviews about the hotel.
• If you’re going to go out a lot, ask about the accessible modes of transportation. How close is the nearest bus route? You might end up spending a lot for taxis or transportation arranged by hotel. Or, you might want to rent a car instead.
As with anything else, the key to a successful travel is good planning. Next week, I’ll write about the different types of lodgings available.