Finding inexpensive lodging in Europe
Many first time travelers make the incorrect assumption that a
European vacation is beyond their means, but this is often not
the case. One of the biggest costs associated with any vacation,
including travel to countries in Europe, is lodging, but it is
possible to fund budget accommodations that are clean, safe and
centrally located.
One of the secrets to finding affordable budget accommodations
when traveling to Europe is to check out the many bed and
breakfast hotels that are common in Europe. The average bed and
breakfast in Europe is much different than its American
counterpart. Whereas many bed and breakfast's in the United
States are luxurious, and expensive destinations, Europeans
generally regard bed and breakfast hotels as inexpensive places
to stay, and they can be much more affordable than hotels in
similar locations.
Most bed and breakfast hotels in European destinations are
small, family run hotels. In many cases, the family has their
living quarters right on the premises, and the hotel generally
provides free breakfast with the price of the room.
There are many places to look for European bed and breakfast
hotels, including the Internet, destination travel guides,
Internet news groups and travel review web sites. While some of
the larger bed and breakfast hotels have their own web sites,
many do not, and word of mouth is often the best way to find
them.
There are also booking services that will book the bed and
breakfast hotel for you for a small fee (usually around 10%).
These booking services can be very valuable, especially if you
do not speak the local language.
Even if you did not plan ahead, chances are you will still be
able to find an affordable bed and breakfast hotel when you
arrive. The arrivals area of most European airports has at least
one booking desk to help travelers without reservations find
affordable accommodations. Just be sure you have a local map
handy so you don't get stuck with a hotel in the middle of
nowhere.
There are some important things to keep in mind when booking a
bed and breakfast or similar budget accommodations in European
destinations. There are important differences in lodgings
between Europe and the United States, and first time travelers
to Europe are often caught unawares. Below is a list of items to
consider when booking lodging for your European vacation.
Your budget accommodations will likely be clean, but
basic. In most cases the surroundings will not be fancy or
luxurious, but they will be functional and clean. The
rooms at a budget hotel or bed and breakfast will probably be
small, and closet space may be limited or even non-existent.
The least expensive rooms will have bathroom and shower
facilities located down the hall, while more expensive rooms may
have an in room bathroom and tub.
A room that has only a shower will usually be less
costly than one that includes a bathtub as well. If this is an
important consideration, be sure to ask about the bathroom
facilities when making your reservation.
Rooms equipped with a double bed are generally less
costly than those with twin beds.
If you are driving, there is almost always an extra
charge for parking. Be sure to ask about the parking charge when
making your reservation.
Be sure to buy a good map of the city you will be
visiting, and make sure the hotel or bed and breakfast you
choose is centrally located. It is often better to choose
lodging that it within walking distance of several attractions
you will be visiting, even if the room is slightly more
expensive. Choosing a centrally located hotel or bed and
breakfast will save you both time and money for transportation.
When booking your lodging, be sure the price you are
quoted includes all local taxes and applicable fees.