Introduction

As a post-90s traveler who just completed a round-the-world trip, I deeply understand that accommodation is one of the most challenging aspects of travel. At each new destination, we face various choices: Should I stay at a hostel to save money? Should I experience a local guesthouse? Should I indulge in a five-star hotel's luxury? After a year of travel experience, I've finally developed a comprehensive accommodation strategy suitable for various scenarios, and today I'd like to share my insights with you.

King of Accommodations

To be honest, when I first started planning my travels, hotels were the first thing that came to mind. After all, from childhood family trips to watching TV shows, hotels have always been the default choice. I'll never forget my experience at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai last year - it was like vacationing in a fantasy castle! The entire lobby was gleaming with gold, huge aquariums filled with tropical fish, and personal butlers available 24/7. Although the nightly rate made me wince for quite a while, that feeling of being treated like royalty was truly intoxicating!

However, I later discovered that there are many nuances in the hotel world. International chain hotels like InterContinental and Hilton maintain consistent service standards globally, which provides a great sense of security. I love their membership programs - points can be exchanged for free nights, and sometimes you can even get room upgrades, which is absolutely fantastic! Based on my experience, during off-peak seasons, four-star hotels typically cost between 800-1200 yuan, which is quite reasonable.

It's worth noting that many hotels now feature special themes. For instance, I stayed at a robot-themed hotel in Tokyo where the receptionist was an adorable robot, and the room's lights, curtains, and TV could all be controlled by voice commands - it felt like stepping into the future. Although the room wasn't large, the unique experience was definitely worth the price.

Cozy Retreats

Speaking of boutique hotels, they're truly a love-hate relationship. I love their uniqueness and sophistication but hate that they can be more expensive than branded chain hotels! However, I must say that some boutique hotels have left me with my most unforgettable memories.

Last winter, I stayed at a tea ceremony-themed boutique hotel in Kyoto with only 20 rooms, but every detail was carefully designed. The tatami in the room was specially made and extremely comfortable. The tea ceremony utensils were from century-old brands, and even the flowers in the room were changed daily. Most touching was how the owner would personally prepare traditional Japanese breakfast for guests every morning and teach us proper dining etiquette.

Also worth mentioning are motels, which are often overlooked but excellent choices. Don't assume motels are synonymous with low quality - many have been renovated and upgraded to offer both comfort and convenience. During my road trip in America, I often stayed at motels. While the rooms were simple, they had all the necessary amenities, plus convenient parking and very reasonable prices.

Home Sweet Home

Looking back, what I miss most are the apartments and vacation homes I rented. I remember the small apartment in Barcelona - though only 40 square meters, it had everything I needed. The best part was the open kitchen where I'd cook myself a hearty breakfast with fresh ingredients from the nearby market every morning. On nights when I was too tired to go out, I'd sit on the balcony with a bottle of wine, gazing at the distant Sagrada Familia for hours.

The farmhouse in Tuscany is particularly unforgettable. The entire stone building was over two hundred years old. The landlord, an elderly Italian gentleman, would bring us fresh bread and homemade wine every morning. Most memorable was the terrace - drinking coffee there in the morning, overlooking rolling vineyards and watching birds fly by, created a sense of peace that no hotel could match.

One advantage of apartment stays is truly experiencing local life. The apartment I rented in Paris was in a very local neighborhood with a bakery downstairs where I could smell fresh croissants every morning. On weekends, the entire street would transform into a market selling flowers, cheese, fruits and vegetables, full of local flavor.

Making Friends

Speaking of hostels, they're truly part of my youth memories. Initially, I was concerned about safety, but I soon realized I was overthinking it. Modern hostels actually have pretty good facilities, many with private lockers and even dedicated charging areas. Most importantly, hostels are great places to meet interesting souls!

I remember staying in an 8-bed dorm at a London hostel. My roommates included a French artist, a German programmer, and a Brazilian musician. We often gathered in the common area to chat in the evenings. Once, we even formed an impromptu band - the French guy on guitar, the Brazilian on drums, and me doing vocals - we got the whole hostel rocking. We still keep in touch and interact on social media occasionally.

The hostel's communal kitchen is also a magical place. I met a Japanese girl at a hostel in Vancouver who made amazing sushi! We later agreed to take turns cooking - she taught me Japanese cuisine while I taught her Chinese cooking. It was not only cost-effective but also really fun.

Off the Beaten Path

If you find regular accommodation boring, try some special options! Honestly, some unique accommodations can be more exciting than tourist attractions. I spent a week in a houseboat in Amsterdam, which was truly special. Though space was limited, it had everything needed, and the best part was listening to gentle waves against the boat at night - super relaxing.

In Italy, I even stayed at a monastery. These monasteries are often located in scenic spots, and while the rooms are simple, they're very peaceful. The special part is that you can participate in the monastery's daily activities like morning prayers and work. Though there are rules to follow, like maintaining silence after 10 PM, this sense of seclusion is truly rare.

My most memorable experience was in Morocco. Through a volunteer website, I taught English at a local school for a week. I stayed with a local family - the room was simple, but the host family was incredibly welcoming. Every night, we'd drink mint tea and chat until late. Despite the language barrier, we managed to communicate through gestures. This way, I truly understood Moroccan lifestyle and cultural traditions.

Money-Saving Tips

As a budget travel enthusiast, I think the most valuable tips to share are various money-saving techniques. Work exchange is truly a magical option - not only does it save on accommodation costs, but it also provides unique experiences. At that farm in New Zealand, I helped feed sheep and pick fruit in the mornings, with afternoons completely free. The farmer even taught me how to drive a tractor and shear sheep - skills you can't learn even if you're willing to pay!

Another money-saving tool I recommend: membership points. Many people think accumulating points is too slow, but that's not true. First, you can get hotel co-branded credit cards to earn points from daily spending. Also, watch for promotional activities - sometimes you can earn double or even triple points for one stay. I used points to stay in an overwater villa in the Maldives for a week, which was absolutely fantastic.

Another tip is to avoid peak seasons. For example, hotel prices in Venice are scary during peak season, but if you choose to go in November, prices can be half off and you won't have to squeeze through crowds of tourists. Of course, check local weather conditions to avoid particularly bad weather.

Accommodation Strategy

Choosing accommodation really requires considering many factors. First is budget, which must be realistic. Actually, the proportion of accommodation costs to total travel expenses varies by person, but I personally recommend keeping it around 30%. If budget is really limited, consider lowering accommodation standards and spending more on experiences and food.

Location is also crucial. Taking Paris as an example, staying in the city center might be more expensive, but you can walk to many attractions, saving on transportation costs. Plus, you can enjoy different aspects of Paris in the morning and evening - this experience is priceless. My suggestion is to mark all the places you want to visit on a map when choosing accommodation, then select a relatively central location.

Length of stay also affects choice. If you're just transiting or staying for a day or two, hotels are fine. But if you're planning to stay somewhere for over a week, renting an apartment will be more economical and comfortable. I rented an apartment in Seoul for a month, and with the landlord's substantial discount, it averaged almost half the cost of a hotel.

Number of travelers is also a key factor. If traveling alone, hostels are a good choice - economical and social. For two people, standard rooms work well. For three or more, renting an apartment or vacation home might be more economical, plus everyone can cook together, which is great fun.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, choosing accommodation while traveling is truly an art. It's not just about solving where to sleep, but also a way to experience local life. My advice is not to limit yourself to one type of accommodation. For example, during one trip, you could stay at a luxury hotel for two days to indulge, then move to an apartment to experience local life, and finally spend a few days at a hostel to meet new friends. This not only helps control budget but also provides diverse experiences.

Everyone has different travel styles, so the most suitable accommodation varies. Some prefer the attentive service of hotels, others enjoy the lively atmosphere of hostels, and some prefer the privacy of apartments - there's no right or wrong. The key is finding what works best for you.

Oh, here's a small tip: definitely check accommodation reviews before departure, especially reviews from the last six months. Some accommodations' conditions may change over time, so recent reviews are most valuable. Also, pay attention to cancellation policies when booking - some platforms have quite flexible free cancellation periods, leaving room for itinerary adjustments.

Finally, do you have any special accommodation experiences to share? Next time, I'm planning to write a guide about finding deals on various booking platforms - stay tuned!