The best websites to search accomodation

I organize almost all my travel independently. Looking back at my constant search for international accomodation, there are a few websites that I found to be the most helpful. In this post, you’ll find my favorite booking sites.

*Disclaimer: These are platforms I use and love. If you book after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn some coffee money. I promise to drink all coffees while experiencing more adventures worth recommending for your next trip! You won’t pay a higher price.

My go-to websites for the search of accomodation include the following:

1. booking.com*: It’s my favorite platform since it offers the largest choice worldwide in my experience. You may decrease rates by reaching Genius levels. There are 3 levels. To unlock Genius Level 1, and 10% discounts on select stays and rental cars, all you need to do is create a free Booking.com account. To progress to Genius Level 2, and 15% discount, you need to complete 5 bookings within 2 years. To progress to Genius Level 3, and 20% discount, you need to complete 15 bookings within 2 years.
2. agoda.com*: Agoda is especially worth a look in Southeast Asia. I especially loved this platform during my 1-year mission in the Philippines (discover my Filipino travel and life stories here). It offered the best deals and further decreased prices the more often you choose them.
3. hostelworld.com*: Even if you are not looking for bunk-bed accomodation, hostels may convince you! Especially in Cambodia, we passed by wonderful high-standard hostels that would have cost cheaper and would have offered better quality and service than our private hotels booked in advance (find my Cambodia posts here).
4. Google Maps: Don’t forget to check out Maps, especially if bigger platforms appear expensive or lack choice! Of course, the above-mentioned platforms are associated with costs for the property holder. In my experience, family businesses for example on remote islands often solely advertise through Google Maps to keep their costs low. Booking directly is based on mutual trust but you’ll surely support a local business in the most sustainable way.
5. Couchsurfing.com: If connecting to locals is your priority and you don’t require too much privacy, you may check out Couchsurfing. With Couchsurfing, you can stay in locals’ homes or connect by simply spending time with others. In the past, I met lovely people that became true friends till today. After my last hosted trip in 2017, I’ll finally check it out again later this year and report back here.

What is your favorite booking platform? Please share your experience in the comments below.

Posted By: Isi · In: Travel tips