Hello, dear fellow nomad! Finding the perfect accommodation can be quite challenging for us right? We work remotely, so we need to find a safe place, that has a good workspace and is affordable.
In this blog post, I will talk about the different things to consider when choosing a place to stay as a digital nomad. I will cover topics such as safety, workspace, cost of living, type of accommodation, security of belongings, and kitchen and catering facilities.
As a digital nomad, it is important to choose a place to stay that is safe and has a good workspace. After all, it’s our livelihood that supports our travel expenses, allowing us to keep our nomadic lifestyle going from one place to another.
For me, as digital nomads, we need an environment that’s perfect for work, and it should also be safe and clean. We also need to make sure that our belongings are safe, as we often have expensive laptops and other gadgets with us.
Key Considerations for Choosing Accommodation as a Digital Nomad
As a digital nomad, there are some important things to keep in mind when choosing a place to stay. I’ll share my experience to help you relate better.
You should consider your budget, the location, how clean the place is, the size of the bed, and safety. It’s important to choose a comfortable and cozy place where you can work well and feel good.
If you’re surrounded by other digital nomads, it can give you extra energy. I suggest using reputable apps to book your accommodation and always check the reviews.
You can also team up with your travel partners to do outdoor activities together and share the costs of food, transportation, and, of course, accommodation.
Make sure there’s a hospital or clinic nearby, just in case.
I choose a place where reliable internet and co-working spaces are available.
As a digital nomad, I’ve learned to appreciate the simple things in life. A comfy bed, a clean bathroom, and a reliable internet connection are all I need to be happy.
when it comes to choosing accommodation, there are a few other factors that I take into consideration.
Kitchen & Catering: I also look into the kitchen and catering facilities. I love to cook, so having access to a kitchen is a must for me. It saves me money on eating out, and it allows me to prepare healthy meals that fuel my busy lifestyle.
Suitable Bedroom Options: I also check for suitable bedroom options. If I’m tired after a long day, I need a comfy bed. If I’m traveling with someone, I make sure we have separate beds since sharing can be a bit cramped.
Easy, transparent booking: I hate hidden fees and surprises, so I always make sure to read the booking terms carefully before making a reservation. I also avoid places that have a lot of negative reviews. The place should look just like the pictures online, with a clean bathroom and the right bed size.
Professional Workspace: For work, I need a professional workspace with good Wi-Fi and a positive environment. Having a dedicated workspace is essential for my productivity. I need a place where I can focus on my work without distractions. It’s also a bonus if there’s a community of fellow digital nomads to connect with.
Realistic budget: I’m on a budget, so I always stick to a realistic price range when choosing accommodation. I usually aim to spend around $20-$25 a night, but I’m willing to spend more if the place is exceptional.
Safety and cleanliness: My safety and well-being are my top priorities. I always choose accommodation in a safe neighborhood and with good security features. I also make sure that the place is clean and well-maintained.
When choosing a place to stay as a digital nomad, I prioritize accommodation options that offer a unique experience. I love staying in places where the hosts are friendly and welcoming, and where I feel like I’m part of a community.
I believe that the best accommodation options are the ones that offer more than just a place to sleep. They should be places where you can feel at home, connect with others, and create lasting memories.
How to Research Accommodation As a Digital Nomad
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay: My Simple Approach
Step 1: My Go-To Booking Platforms
When searching for accommodation, I start with my go-to booking platform Booking.com and Hotellook These platforms offer a wide range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. I also like to check out other platforms like Trip.com for more variety.
Here are some tips for using booking platforms:
I use filters to narrow down my accommodation search. It’s the best way to find the perfect place for my needs and budget. For example, I filter by location, price, amenities like a fast internet connection and a shared kitchen, and the type of accommodation, such as a private room, a dormitory room, or a hostel.
I always read at least 15 reviews before booking accommodation, and I pay attention to both positive and negative feedback. This helps me to get a realistic understanding of what the accommodation is like and to identify any potential problems.
Compare prices on different websites. It’s always a good idea to compare prices on different booking websites before you book. This will help you to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.
Step 2: The Power of Reviews
Reviews are one of the most important tools when choosing accommodation. I read reviews on a variety of platforms, including the booking platforms themselves, as well as travel forums and social media. This helps me to get a well-rounded view of the accommodation and to identify any potential red flags.
Here are some tips for reading reviews:
Bad reviews can be scary, but don’t let them stop you from finding a good place to stay. Everyone likes different things, so what one person didn’t like might be perfect for you.
When I come across many bad reviews for a place, I step back and think about what’s essential for me. Do I need a place with a good internet connection and a shared bathroom, or am I more excited about a place with a pool and a gym?
After I figure out what’s most important to me, I read the bad reviews more closely. Are the complaints about things that are important to me, or are they about things I can overlook?
If I’m still unsure about booking a place, I usually reach out to the host and ask them questions.
Step 3: Use Local Wisdom to Find Accommodation
Locals often know the best places to stay. I ask locals for their advice when I talk to them, and I also read online forums where other solo travelers share their thoughts. This helps me find places that are off the beaten path and that offer a more real experience.
Here are some tips for tapping into local wisdom:
Asking locals is a smart way to find a good place to stay. Talk to hotel staff, tourist information center, and tour guides. They may know good places to stay that you can’t find on your own.
Visit online travel communities. Reviews are my secret weapon. I read what others say about places I’m interested in. It’s like getting advice from friends. I also visit travel forums like Reddit and Quora to gather
even more insights from experienced travelers.
Read local travel blogs. Local travel bloggers often write about their favorite places to stay in their city or region. This is a great way to discover hidden gems that you wouldn’t find otherwise.
Step 4: Comparing the Best Deal
I always compare prices on different websites before I book anything. This includes the booking platforms, as well as the websites of the hotels or hostels themselves.
Here are some tips for comparing prices:
I like to be savvy with my money, so I check different websites to make sure I’m getting the best price. Sometimes, special offers pop up, and I don’t want to miss out.
Use a price comparison website. Some price comparison websites can help you to compare prices on different booking websites. Hotellook and Agoda are two popular options.
Check the property’s website. Sometimes, you can find better deals by booking directly with the property. Many hotels and hostels offer discounts for direct bookings.
Sign up for email lists. Many hotels and hostels offer discounts to subscribers of their email lists. This is a great way to save money on your next stay.
Step 5: Breakfast Matters
I typically prepare my local dinners by following YouTube recipes, while I enjoy breakfast at my hostel or hotel.
I also make sure to book accommodations that offer breakfast as part of the package. This can save me a lot of money.
Here are some tips for finding accommodation with breakfast included:
Look for filters on booking platforms. Many booking platforms allow you to filter your accommodation search including breakfast.
Read the room description carefully. Most room descriptions will state whether or not breakfast is included.
Pros and Cons: Hostels vs. Hotels vs. Home Stays
When it comes to choosing where to stay while traveling, there are three main options: hostels, hotels, and homestays. Let’s break it down:
Hostels:
Hotels:
Homestays:
Your choice depends on what’s most important to you. For me, it’s all about the experience, so I usually go to hostels and homestays. But it comes down to what makes your trip the most enjoyable.
All in all, these precautions and steps help me stay safe and enjoy my digital nomad adventures with confidence.
Top Accommodation Platforms for Digital Nomads
Finding the right accommodation is an important part of any trip. You want to find a place that’s comfortable, affordable, and in a good location. But with so many different platforms to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here are a few of my favorite accommodation platforms, along with some personal tips:
Hotellook:
Hotellook is a great option for finding hotels with good deals. I like to compare prices on Hotellook with other platforms before I book to make sure I’m getting the best deal.
Be sure to read reviews from other travelers before booking. This will help you get a sense of what the hotel is like and whether it’s a good fit for you.
Take advantage of special deals and promotions. Hotellook often offers discounts for members, flash sales, and other promotions. Be sure to check the website regularly for the best deals.
Consider using a loyalty program. Hotellook offers a loyalty program that can save you money on future bookings. Be sure to sign up for the program to start earning rewards.
Here’s a tip: Hotellook often offers exclusive discounts to its members. Be sure to sign up for a free account to save even more money on your next hotel stay.
How to book a hotel on Hotellook in simple steps
Enter your travel dates and destination in the search bar.
Click “Search” to see a list of hotels available for your dates.
Use the filters on the left side of the page to narrow down your search by price, star rating, amenities, and more.
Once you’ve found a hotel that you like, click on it to view more information and photos.
Click “Book Now” to choose your room type and rate.
Enter your payment information and click “Book” to complete your reservation
Trip.com
Trip.com offers a convenient one-stop platform for travelers to book flights, hotels, and a wide range of essential travel-related services
I truly appreciate the convenience and extensive array of travel choices that Trip.com provides, making it my top choice for trip planning.
Here’s a tip: Trip.com’s loyalty program offers great rewards, such as discounts on future bookings and free upgrades. Be sure to sign up for the program to start earning rewards.
Trip.com is a global travel booking platform that offers a wide range of accommodation options, flights, and activities. It is a popular choice for travelers because it is easy to use and offers competitive prices.
Hostelworld
Here are some reasons why I use Hostelworld to book hostels:
I love Hostelworld! It’s my go-to platform for booking hostels because it has a wide selection of hostels to choose from and its detailed property descriptions make it easy to find the perfect place to stay.
Wide selection of hostels: Hostelworld has hostels all over the world, from budget-friendly dorms to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Detailed property descriptions: Hostelworld’s property descriptions include information about the hostel’s location, amenities, atmosphere, and more. This makes it easy to find a hostel that’s a good fit for my needs and budget.
Readily available reviews: Hostelworld allows travelers to leave reviews of the hostels they’ve stayed in. This is a great way to get a sense of what the hostel is like and whether it’s a good fit for you.
Easy to book: Hostelworld’s booking process is simple. I can create an account, search for hostels, and book a stay in just a few minutes
Hostelworld is the go-to platform for finding hostels. I like Hostelworld’s wide selection of hostels and its detailed property descriptions.
Here’s a tip: When booking a hostel, be sure to read the reviews from other travelers. This will help you get a sense of what the hostel is like and whether it’s a good fit for you.
Booking.com
Booking.com is another popular platform for booking accommodation. I like Booking.com’s wide selection of properties and its easy-to-use website.
Here’s a tip: Booking.com offers a price match guarantee. If you find the same property cheaper on another website, Booking.com will refund you the difference.
Pre-Booking Essentials for Digital Nomads
I keep the following points in mind before booking accommodation
Flexibility in Cancellation Policies:
I’m always on the move, so I need to have flexibility in my accommodation cancellation policies. This is because my plans can change at any moment, due to work, travel, or other unforeseen circumstances.
I try to book accommodations that offer a full refund or a partial refund for cancellations made up to a certain number of days before the arrival date. I also avoid booking accommodations with strict cancellation policies, as this can be costly if I need to cancel my stay.
Visa Requirements:
Another important thing for me to consider before booking accommodation is the visa requirements for the country I’m visiting. Some countries require visitors to obtain a visa in advance, while others offer visas on arrival.
I always check the visa requirements for the country I’m visiting before I book accommodation. This ensures that I have the necessary documentation to enter the country and stay legally.
Duration of Your Visit
I also consider the length of my stay when booking accommodation. If I’m staying for a short period, such as a few days or a week, I may be more willing to pay a higher price for a more convenient location or amenities.
However, if I’m staying for a long time, such as a month or more, I’ll look for more affordable accommodations that offer a good value for money.
Negotiation Tips
Finally, I always try to negotiate the price of my accommodation, Some hostels and hotels are willing to offer discounts for longer stays.
I also try to negotiate the price of my accommodation if I’m booking during the off-season or if I’m willing to stay in a less desirable room type.
Here are some key lessons I’ve learned:
Stay flexible because plans can change.
Don’t hesitate to negotiate for discounts, especially for longer stays.
Always read reviews before booking to find the best fit for your needs.
How to Ensure Safety When Picking Accommodations
Ensuring safety when picking accommodations is something I take really seriously as a digital nomad. I’ve learned to trust my gut and be cautious to make sure my stay is not just comfortable but also secure.
One of the first things I do is check the crime rates in the area and read reviews from previous guests. It’s amazing how much you can learn from the experiences of others.
I also look for online reviews from trustworthy platforms, as they give me a good sense of what to expect.
In terms of the actual accommodation, I always check for secure locks on doors and windows. Electronic key card access or secure entry systems make me feel even safer.
It’s essential to know the local emergency numbers and be aware of the nearest police station, hospital, embassy, or consulate, especially if I’m in a foreign country. Having that information at my fingertips offers peace of mind.
And when it comes to safety equipment, I make sure there are working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and a fire escape plan. It’s a comfort to know that these safety measures are in place in case of an emergency.
Gadgets and Belongings Safety Before You Book Accommodation
Thinking about the safety of my gadgets and belongings is a top priority for me when I book accommodation. Here’s how I go about it, and I hope it helps you too:
Secure Storage:
I always check if the place I’m booking has secure storage options like safes or lockable drawers. This is where I can keep my precious gadgets and belongings safe, and it gives me peace of mind.
Luggage Locks:
Another thing I do is to use luggage locks. It’s a simple yet effective way to discourage unauthorized access to my stuff. Knowing my bags are locked up tight makes me feel more relaxed.
Locker Facility Nearby:
It’s also a good idea to check if there’s a locker facility nearby. Sometimes, even if your accommodation doesn’t have the storage you need, you can find a secure place nearby to keep your things. It’s worth the extra effort for that added layer of safety.
Insurance Coverage:
I never forget to verify my travel insurance coverage. It’s crucial to make sure that my personal belongings and gadgets are protected. If I feel like I need more coverage, I don’t hesitate to get it. It’s a small expense for the peace of mind it brings.
So, taking these steps before booking accommodation helps me keep my gadgets and belongings safe and allows me to focus on enjoying my travels without worries.
Related Blog:
Should solo travelers invest in expensive gadgets?
In a nutshell:
We discussed essential things for safe and enjoyable travels.
Remember to check the safety and cleanliness of where you’ll stay, whether it’s a hotel, hostel, or homestay.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget and preferences.
It’s smart to compare prices and read reviews on different booking websites.
For digital nomads who work while traveling, don’t forget to ensure reliable Wi-Fi for your job.
So, when you plan your next adventure, keep these tips in mind for a wonderful journey. Travel smart and stay safe!
