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Staying There

© Diane Goldberg under the original topic name

After you actually get there, your particular there, it gets a bit tricky. You see, once you are somewhere you get into the bit about lodging --- easily the most exasperating or expensive part of travel --- or the best part of the trip.

Everything I know about lodging I learned from my last hangover.

When I am traveling my requirements are cheap and convenient places to lie down. And, my concept of convenience is pretty individualized. For example, I know people who will pay premium prices to stay in the Russell Square-Bloomsbury area of London. That's not my favored stomping ground. For whatever reason I prefer the area around Paddington and Bayswater Road, so we run into a different definition of good location at the starting gate.

Cheap is also a relative term. (Please insert your own bad joke about your own family member here.) I've talked to people who brag about their one hundred fifty dollar bargain room in Amsterdam and those who whine about paying twenty dollars for an en suite room in Athens.

That said, how do you find a room?

Traveler know thyself

Figure out your own location priorities. If you are doing the Europe by Eurail style trip and using the base city concept you'll seek a suburban room with good train access. If staggering home slightly tipsy is in your itinerary then you'll need a nest close to the nightlife. Traveling with children? A different game plan altogether.

Once you've selected your style, research your destinations to see which neighborhoods are likely locations for you. Both Frommers' and Fodor's guides have extensive sections on neighborhoods that convey a bit of character.

In general ---

In the USA, you'll probably want to know about highway access.

In Europe, you'll probably want to know about train access.

Anywhere in the world, the less you carry the easier it is to shop around for a room.

Hostels - some people love them; some people hate them. Keep in mind when you read reviews of hostels that most reviewers are young and enthusiastic, the reviews maybe overly optimistic. Look for meaningful terms like: clean, no lock-out, etc. You can check out a lot of hostels at http://www.eurotrip.com/hostels/index.ht...

Chain hotels are chain hotels. If they meet your needs be aware that the price you pay may vary according to your booking method. Take the time to try several routes --- call the 800 numbers and investigate Internet booking engines. The same room in a chain goes for variable prices --- ask if there are any available specials.

The copyright of the article Staying There in Traveling on a Budget is owned by Diane Goldberg under the original topic name. Permission to republish Staying There in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.