The best way to book accommodation for a Sabbatical

Landing in a new town is easier when you already know where you’ll be staying that night. A hotel close to the sea. A little apartment with a kitchen. A simple bed in a clean dorm.

But what’s the best way to book those places — without getting stuck paying too much or losing flexibility when plans change?

Start with Hostelworld, Booking or Google

If you’re looking for hostels, Hostelworld is often the fastest way to find a clean, affordable dorm or private room. It lets you filter by location, reviews, price, facilities, and more.

When you’re looking for a hotel or apartment to stay — especially in a new city or region —Booking.com and Google search are great starting points. They let you filter by budget, reviews, location, kitchen access, pet-friendliness, and more.

Google is often faster for scanning locations on a map, while Booking lets you filter out places with bad cancellation policies. Between the two, you’ll usually get a clear picture of what’s available.

Once you’ve found something that looks good…

Try to book directly with the property

Many guesthouses, apartments, and boutique hotels have their own website or accept bookings via WhatsApp or email. When possible, it’s a good idea to book directly:

• The accommodation owner avoids platform fees
• You sometimes get a small upgrade
• It’s easier to communicate about arrival time, parking, special requests, or long stays

Plus: it just feels better to support a local business directly — especially when it’s the same price.

Still useful: Booking.com

That said, Booking remains a very useful tool, especially if:

• You want free cancellation (many direct bookings are non-refundable)
• You like having all your bookings in one place
• You’re arriving late and want a guaranteed reservation

In those cases, using Booking.com can actually make your sabbatical easier to manage — especially on a longer route where plans shift often.

Tip: If you’re planning to stay somewhere for more than a few days, ask if they offer a long-stay discount when you reach out directly. Many places do, but it’s rarely advertised.