Accommodation

So you have landed in a foreign city – what accommodation is available?

Hostels – Very popular with travellers on arrival as an initial place to stay. Highly social environment but no privacy as this is dorm style living. Some dorms can be up to 50 people in one space, unisex or split up as specific male and female. Always ask at reception before booking what options they have. You will share the bathroom facilities as well.

Hotels – Private facilities and room to yourself, bunking up with someone you are traveling with to share the costs is a good cost saving idea. Hotels vary in budget; generally they will be more expensive than hostels but give you more personal facilities. Hotels are categories into  type and quality of facilities you will receive, these are rated in terms of ‘stars’. For example; 2 star hotel will offer very little other than a room and bit of breakfast, a five star hotel will be expensive and luxurious. The choice really comes down to your budget.

Bed and Breakfasts – or B&B’s are smaller hotels that offer breakfast and a room with its own facilities. Very useful for short stays. Sometime they will let you use their address for receiving post which is handy if applying for jobs first up. Quality of B&B’s will differ.

Staying with friends and family – perfect option if you can stay with friends or family. Often referred too as ‘dossing’ the general rule is you sleep on the couch, and put in for the households food. Always offer to clean up for the people you are staying with no one likes a dirty dosser.

Pensions – somewhere in between a B&B and a small hotel. Generally you will be living with the owner of the flat or house. Sometimes you get a meal included, but generally it is just the room. Very popular is Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Student Accommodation – Is usually only available during the off study periods. When available this can be a good alternative staying at a university’s residence hall. It is likely to be as cheap as hostel accommodation plus you get your own room and private facilities. Downside is when university returns you have to vacate the accommodation.

Renting your own place – this is really the second phase of your accommodation hunt once you have permanent employment. Renting your own place is a good option as it helps you feel more settled in the city your living in. Read the Workingholidamker.com sections on Rental Advice, Signing a Tenancy and Renting a Property to help guide you through the process.

Online bookings for hostels / B&B

Rental advice

Signing a tenancy

Room Share & Bedsits

Renting a property

Hostels