Where and how to book your holidays

So you have decided where you want to travel to, now it's time to book the place you want to sleep at. Fist you have to know the difference between, for example, a Hotel, Hostel, Motel, Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Pousada, Guesthouse and Aparthotel. I chose these because they are the most common, although there are a lot more types of accommodations out there.

Hotel: provides you with paid accommodation and other guest services. They are usually rated with stars from one to five, being five the most luxurious but also most expensive.

Hostel: inexpensive type of accommodation. Ideal for travelers on a budget, or for people going from one place to another every day. They usually have shared bedrooms and communal facilities.

Motel: was first designed for motorcyclists. They are roadside accommodations with minimal amenities and have large parking areas.

Boutique Hotel: often has a themed and individual style, and are smaller in size. They provide guests with personalized and high-quality experiences.

Bed and Breakfast: has breakfast included in the room rate. It is an intimate, independently run lodging establishment.

Pousada: usually has a traditional restaurant and offer a authentic local experience. It is the portuguese term for guesthouse, inn, or historic independently owned hotel.

Guesthouse: offers inexpensive accommodation to tourists in a private house.

Aparthotel: is a smart choice if you plan to stay for a long time. They combine the comfort and independence of an apartment with the services of a hotel.


After choosing which accommodation is best for you, there are a few good websites where you can book your stay. My personal favorite is booking.com, but there are others like Trivago. Also, a very good website for a variety of tips is TripAdvisor.

If you want to know more, here are 52 types of accommodations explained: http://www.luxuryaccommodationsblog.com/post/114961446726/different-types-accommodation-tourism