Traveling is one of the most rewarding and comforting things in life, when doing it right. But let’s be honest, planning it can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s picking the right Hotels or Hostels, finding a reliable car rental, or making sure you don’t miss out on the best local experiences, there are so many decisions that can make or break your trip.
After visiting dozens of countries across Europe and Asia, I’ve made my fair share of travel mistakes from overpaying for a hotel with terrible Wi-Fi to booking a tour that turned out to be a tourist trap. But those experiences helped me figure out what actually works, and which services consistently deliver value, reliability, and ease.
That’s why I created this list of the best platforms to book your accomodation on. I’ve rounded up my go-to travel tools and tips that save time, reduce stress, and make every trip smoother, all based on personal experience and trusted platforms used by millions of travellers. That saves you time, money, and stress, while also supporting this blog through trusted affiliate partnerships.
Why Travelling is so Important
Traveling is more than just a break from routine, it’s one of the most powerful ways to grow as a person and understand the world beyond your immediate surroundings. In a time when many of us live fast-paced, travelling offers something rare and valuable: the chance to slow down, disconnect from our daily bubble and immerse ourselves in cultures that are vastly different from our own.
One of the greatest benefits of travel is the exposure to diversity. When you step into another country, you’re stepping into a different way of life: different food, language, customs, values, and history. Whether it’s learning how respect is shown in Japanese culture, celebrating festivals in India, or sharing a meal with a local family in rural Italy, these moments challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of what it means to live in the world. You begin to see that “normal” is a relative concept.
Travel also teaches empathy. It’s one thing to read about people in other parts of the world ,it’s another to meet them, speak with them and walk their streets. These experiences humanize people who may seem foreign or different from afar, fostering a sense of shared humanity. That kind of perspective is hard to gain through books or screens.
On a personal level, travel builds confidence, adaptability, and resilience. Navigating an unfamiliar city, dealing with language barriers, or figuring out public transportation abroad can be challenging, but it’s through these challenges that we grow. You return home not just with photos and souvenirs, but with a stronger sense of who you are and what you’re capable of.
Finally, travel is a reminder of how big and beautiful the world is. It inspires curiosity, creativity and appreciation. Seeing ancient temples, hiking through untouched landscapes, or standing in a bustling street market reminds us that life is rich, layered, and full of stories waiting to be discovered.
Making it more easy to find a place to stay
One of the biggest travel expenses and stress factors is finding a place to stay. Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a couple looking for a romantic stay, or a family needing a safe and central location, booking the right place to stay can be really hard. But here’s the good news: with the right platforms, you can save money, reduce risks and find exactly what you need without hours of searching.
Below are the platforms I personally use and recommend because they consistently deliver the best mix of value, reliability and ease of use. I’ve used these platforms across multiple countries in Europe, Asia, South America and have always scored the best deals.
✨ Booking.com – The All-Rounder for Hotels and Hostels
If you’re only going to bookmark one accommodation site, make it Booking.com.
Why it stands out:
Massive Global Inventory: Over 2.5 million properties worldwide, from hostels to 5-star resorts.
Amazing Filters: Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for pet-friendly stays, or need a hotel with a spa or airport shuttle Booking.com’s filters help you find it fast.
Free Cancellation Options: Life happens. Many listings offer no-risk booking and free cancellation, giving you flexibility and peace of mind.
Genius Loyalty Program: Regular users unlock automatic discounts and perks like free room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out.
Deals & Discounts:
Booking.com often runs seasonal promotions like “Genius Days,” “Summer Sale,” and “Getaway Deals” with up to 20–40% off selected properties. Keep an eye out for properties with a “Deal” tag they’re often time-limited.
Why I recommend it:
From boutique hotels in Paris to seaside resorts in Bali, I’ve almost never needed to use another platform. The transparent pricing, user reviews, and customer service make it my go-to.
👉 Check deals on Booking.com →
🌏 Agoda – Best for finding Hotels and Hostels in Southeast Asia (and Big Savings)
If your travel plans take you to Asia, especially Southeast Asia, you need Agoda in your toolkit. It’s part of the same brand family as Booking.com but with a much stronger regional focus.
Why it shines:
Unbeatable Rates in Asia-Pacific: Agoda often lists lower prices than competitors for hotels in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and beyond.
Flash Deals & Insider Offers: These pop up often and can knock 30–70% off normal rates.
Local Homes & Unique Stays: Agoda also lists villas, homestays and apartments you won’t always find elsewhere.
Deals & Features:
Agoda has frequent “Secret Deals,” “Today’s Deals,” and “Last-Minute Offers” which are ideal for flexible or spontaneous travelers. You’ll also see an “AgodaCash” system great for repeat users wanting cashback for future trips.
Why I recommend it:
During a 6-week trip across Thailand, Agoda consistently gave me the best prices (also when you’re booking last minute like a lot of backpackers) and most flexible cancellation terms. Many listings also included breakfast for free, something other sites often charge extra for.
👉 Explore top stays on Agoda →
🧳 Pro Tips for Booking Smarter (and Saving More)
Compare Across Both Platforms: Even though Agoda and Booking.com are under the same company (Booking Holdings), prices and perks can differ. It’s always worth checking both sometimes Agoda lists hidden deals you won’t find elsewhere.
Use Filters Wisely: Don’t just filter by price. Filter by rating, location, and review score. I usually aim for properties with 8.0+ reviews and at least 100+ past ratings a sweet spot for reliability.
Look Beyond Hotels: Both platforms also offer guesthouses, apartments, and villas — often cheaper and more unique than traditional hotels, especially for longer stays or groups.
Book Early for Peak Travel: Deals go fast during high season. If you’re traveling during holidays or festivals, book a few months in advance to secure the best locations at the best rates.
Always Read the Fine Print: Look for things like late check-in charges, taxes not included in the upfront price, and cancellation terms.
💡 Final Thoughts
Booking your hotel or holiday home should be one of the most exciting parts of travel planning not the most stressful. With platforms like Booking.com and Agoda, you’re not only getting access to millions of properties worldwide, but also benefiting from years of data, competitive rates, and trusted customer reviews.
These platforms have saved me thousands over the years and helped me discover amazing places I never would’ve found on my own. If you’re planning your next trip and want a smart, safe, and flexible way to book your stay — these are the tools I’d trust every time.
Conclusion
After traveling through so many countries in Europe and Asia I’ve learned that where you stay can completely shape how you experience a place. I’ve had some amazing stays and a few I’d rather forgeta(not the trip of course) but the biggest lesson has been this: booking through trusted platforms makes all the difference.
That’s why I personally use and recommend Booking.com and Agoda. They’ve helped me find everything from cozy guesthouses in the mountains of Georgia to budget-friendly hotels in the heart of Bangkok. The reviews are real, the booking process is simple, and having options like free cancellation has saved me more than once.
What I love most is how transparent and reliable both platforms are. They actually show you the deals, the hidden discounts, and let you filter for what matters to you whether that’s free breakfast, family-friendly spaces, or beachfront views.
If you’re planning a trip soon, my honest advice is this: don’t gamble with your stay. Use tools that are built to help travelers like us make better choices and enjoy the journey more because of it.
Feel free to use the links I’ve shared. They support this blog, cost you nothing extra and help me keep sharing tips I truly believe in.
[…] Best way to find accomodation […]