For any trip, having a decent roof over your head every night is as important as getting your flight booked for the trip. So how exactly should we plan our accommodation? Here is a simple guide on how you can process your choice of thousands of accommodation in your destination of choice.

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Step 1

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Decide on an overall budget for your accommodation. This amount will dictate how much you are willing to spend on the accommodation for the entire trip.

 

Below are 3 scenarios for budget planning

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Scenario 1: Luxury Trip - Expensive Accommodation for all days (best suited for those who want to pamper themselves, after all travelling is about spoiling yourself)

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Scenario 2: Value for Money (Recommended) - Relatively decent private accommodation for all days with the exception of 1 day of luxurious accommodation (must be value for money nonetheless)

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Scenario 3: Budget Stay - Cheap accommodation with the most basic needs

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Step 2

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Research on the accommodations available based on your last stop for the day. Here are some considerations for your research process of an ideal accommodation. 

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- Your choice of accommodation will either be near your first checkpoint for the next day or an integrated resort with a full day of activities. You will not want to start your day with a long drive to your next checkpoint. You will be worn out by the time you start your first attraction/activity and a large part of the day will be wasted on driving. 

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- Compare accommodations across various platforms like Airbnb, Hotels.com, Expedia, Booking.com etc. You might also want to check up on hostel if you are on a budget  

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- Priorities safety, amenities and activities (eg. festival) over pricing

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- If the accommodation is cheap but it is not easily accessible or convenient, make sure you are well stock on food supplies and other necessity items before you head over

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Step 4

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Narrow down to a maximum of 3 choices according to your requirements. Read up on reviews of these accommodation before you make your choice. 

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Step 5

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When booking the accommodation, please ensure the following:

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- Book according to the days and not the night. For eg. if your are staying at an accommodation on night night of 16th June, book your stay as 16th-17th June. 

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- If you are checking in after midnight, you would still have to book your stay from the day before. For eg. if your are checking in at 1am on 17th June, you will have to book your stay as 16th-17th June. 

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- Confirm with the accommodation on the check in and checkout timing. If required, contact the accommodation to request for early check in/ late checkout

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- Verify if the payment is pre-made (recommended) or payment upon check-in

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Step 6 (Optional)

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- Check with the accommodation to enquire whether parking and breakfast are chargeable or part of your package/payment

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- Check whether there are any elevator access (especially if you have plenty of luggage)

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- Check whether there are any laundry facilities.

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- Ensure that there are no hidden cost for the accommodation (especially if cash is involved)

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Step 7 

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Confirm with the accommodation that your booking has been processed and your stay is on their record prior to your trip.