Where you gonna stay?
You've got no shortage of options, of course; this is Europe – you can hunker down in a park campsite or lux it up in the poshest hotel on the high street. However you stay, it's important to know what's out there, and the pluses and minuses of each sort of Europe accommodation.
Which is why you're here: you're wondering where you'll bed down, there. This newsletter explains different types of accommodation available, plus we provide not only informative links, but online booking for hostels and hotels as well. So get cozy, and may there be chocolates – or at least a nice cold beer... or a relatively soft rock – wherever you lay your head.
Hostels
Quite possibly the best form of accommodation in the world. And before you ask, no, hostels are not dingy, run-down holes-in-the-alley where all your gear will be stolen, where you'll be beaten up and mugged, and where you will be miserable in general (here are some other myths and realities of hostels, by the way). We're not saying that hostels are heaven or anything, but on the whole staying in hostels is a budget-friendly, comfy way to rest your head, meet new people and have some adventure. And when you can have that much fun, well, who needs heaven anyway?
We can give you tons more reasons why you should try hostels. In fact, here's a couple dozen. But in case you're just interested in finding hostels in your travel area and making some bookings, no worries: our reservations site has you sorted. Here's our Europe hostel listings as well.
You've got the sites, the advice, the reasons... now you just need the adventure. Happy hosteling! Into the Hostels Guide »
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Hotels
For those who prefer their hotels to anything else, we've got you taken care of. You can book hotel rooms, at awesome rates, through BootsnAll, as well as browse hotels by region (here's Europe hotels, by the way).
There are lots of different online bookers you can use to make your reservation. Two that we feel deserve special attention are:
Otherwise, head over to this site to compare rates and make online reservations. Into Europe Hotels »
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B&Bs
Perhaps not what some consider independent travel, but we would have to disagree. B&Bs are perfect for independent travelers, who either want to splurge a little on a night of comfort, class food and pampering, or who have a higher budget and aren't as keen either on hostels or hotels. Since they are run by locals, too, you interact more, and the proprietors often are great resources for what's going on in the area while you're there.
The bed and breakfasts you'll find in Europe, particularly Britain, are family-type affairs, affordable, classy, yet often cheaper than (and not as frilly as) their U.S. counterparts. (For example, prices in the UK can range the equivalent of $30-$40 for a B&B, as opposed to $80-$190 in some US B&B's.) Plus, the brekky is a great start for a day of sightseeing.
The breakfast is much of what makes staying in a B&B such a treat. Meals will vary from place to place and country to country, from simpler continental breakfasts (selections of breads, cheeses, jams, coffee, etc.) to home-style meals to gourmet cooking.
Even more important, though, is the atmosphere. Good proprietors know how to take care of their guests, to make them feel welcome and relaxed. After all, for most B&B's it's not just a business – it's their home as well.
Checking with the tourist bureau when you roll into town can be a good way to find out the B&B selection – in December. During summer, the small capacity of B&Bs means they fill up fast, so advance booking can be even more crucial than a hostel. The sites below can help you sort out your B&B accommodation:
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Camping
Camping in Europe definitely presents more of a challenge to find unspoilt and open land than in, say, Australia and North America, because of the size of the area (small) and the number of people (huge).
However, there are campsites all over Europe, although these can get full sometimes in the summer. Use Interhike to locate campsites wherever in Europe you want to go.
Here's a few other camping-related sites to help you find a good place to pitch your tent:
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Other Types of Accommodation
Pensions
In France Nick once stayed in a "pension", basically a bar with rooms above that you could rent out. Pensions can be a great deal, and he really recommends them. Rooms were plain, and cost about $12 a night. When Nick was there he also could get huge meals, and for pretty cheap. Mainly he enjoyed the homely good-naturedness of the lady and her family who owned the place. It's also just an interesting experience, something that can get you a bit away from the city, or even when you're in town it's something that adds an extra something to your trip. The fun and worthwhileness is two-fold, too, as the proprietors don't necessarily get much traveler traffic, so they will probably be glad to have a guest.
To stay in a pension, you'll first have to find one. Be sociable, be curious; ask people not only at the tourist bureau, but at the pub when you stop to douse that dryness in your throat. Talk to people, and see what turns up.
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Homestays/Houseshares
If your plans for Europe entail having a base from which to explore or to learn the local lingo, homestays can be the perfect situation. Living with a local family gives you a unique insight into the culture and helps you brush up on your language skills. Not only that, you have a ready-made tour guide of the local area.
There many organizations out there that serve as a sort of middleman for homestays and houseshares and the like. They help weed out potential bad apples, try to pair up like-minded people, etc. Many put out publications or newsletters detailing services and properties. There's usually a membership or service fee, but hey, if someone's inviting someone else into their home, or you're entrusting your pad to someone while they do the same with you, well, a bit of cash is worth the peace of mind.
You can find links for homestay and houseshare organizations in the Accommodation section of the Traveller's Toolkit.
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Apartment/Flat Rentals
Renting a flat or apartment is more for those who like to take their time and enjoy the city and/or region they're staying in. Alternatively, if you are going in a group of four or more, it might make more sense to rent a pad, than pay separate accommodation fees to a hostel or hotel. You can save on food expenses by eating in (plus you have the convenience of your own cooking area), and all your belongings are more secure.
Use the organizations below to help you sort out your vacation flat or apartment rental:
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Y'Mates!
Perhaps the most obvious, but we saved it for last because not everyone has friends or family in Europe. Well, maybe not before you go; after you get back from Europe though... well, let's just say your email address book just might bog down a server.
Staying with people you know lets you catch up with people you care about, and it also gives you a place to stay at minimal cost. If you're going to stay with people you care about though, be sure that when it's all over, that they do still care about you. To stay in your mates' good graces, here's our hints on how to be a good guest.
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What's Next?
Well, certainly not housekeeping. But once you wake up you may be wondering where you're going next and how you're going to get there. So get ready, as the rest of the Europe Travel Newsletters will tell you:
- GETTING THERE BY AIR The first newsletter details specials, airlines and other aspects of air travel to Europe.
- HOW TO GET AROUND Europe, from rail to right-foot-left-foot.
- ?????: we'll just leave this last one as a surprise.
Thanks for reading the Europe Travel Newsletter. And if you're going to nick off with some towels, could you pick up a couple extra for us?
Cheers and see you in the common room,
Chris, Nick, Anthony and Sean
BootsnAll Travel Network
