by Shaun Troke
I’ve definitely stayed in a variety of locations over the years. However, there may not be too much difference between what a hotel and a hostel can offer, as it will depend on what you’re wanting your accommodation to provide (my blog Hotel or Hostel: The Perks & Quirks covers what you may like & dislike about each of them)…
Hotels & Hostels
Mostly, I prefer to use Booking.com, because of its simplicity and large range of search options, that will allow you find exactly what you’re looking for! If you’re unsure of your travel dates, on some properties, Booking.com allows you to make a booking without your credit card being charged…or, without entering your card details at all!
Hostelworld I’ve not used in a while, yet I will often browse through it, should it not be possible to find a suitable location on Booking.com, where some hostels aren’t always listed. Before Booking.com, I always used Hostelworld, which is why I still like to keep it as an option, as it specialises in cheaper accommodation options.
Keep in mind that both Booking.com and Hostelworld earn revenue through commission on bookings, which can sometimes mean a slight increase in the accommodation price. Sometimes (though not always), it can be good idea to only use these websites when searching for a place to stay, and then contact the accommodation directly (through their own website) and book your stay for the correct amount charged.
Couchsurfing
If you’re really looking to save money, and, you’re not too worried about where you sleep, Couchsurfing is an option to look into. I tried this for the first time in 2008 (you can read my own Couchsurfing story here), and have managed to save thousands of £’s, as well as having experiences that a hotel or hostel could never give!