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General => Off Topic => Topic started by: Kiwifruit on Monday, 24 April 2023, 05:00 AM

Title: Accommodation on the fly in Europe
Post by: Kiwifruit on Monday, 24 April 2023, 05:00 AM
In New Zealand we have campgrounds that usually have cabins. They range from just the bed and bedding sharing camp facilities to self catering family studios. Is that the same in Europe ?
As you can see my intention to 'wing it' is starting to cause me more than a little concern.
What other accommodation is available at pocket friendly prices. Doesn't need to be 5 star, are B&B's a good alternative?
The suggestion  of the silver foil blanket on a park bench had my share price take a steep dive. Lol
Title: Re: Accommodation on the fly in Europe
Post by: gsxbarmy on Monday, 24 April 2023, 08:03 AM
Not much like that in Europe to my knowledge. IMO, your best bet if you wish to wing it in Europe is to check on https://www.laterooms.com/ website, that will tell you any hotels that have spare availability in the location you are looking at. There is also an app called HotelTonight which does much the same thing. Possibly your best bet though for the UK - is to look at Premier Inns (https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/home.html) and TravelLodge (https://www.travelodge.co.uk/), they are fairly extensive across the country and (in general) reasonably priced comfortable - if basic (more so in the case of Travellodge) - accommodation. You could also look at staying at a local pub https://stayinapub.co.uk/

I often use Premier Inns when I'm travelling around the UK, rooms are comfortable with good showers, and in most cases they have a restaurant either in the Premier Inn itself, or next door, meals being reasonably priced.

Title: Re: Accommodation on the fly in Europe
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 24 April 2023, 09:11 AM
I used to do it when I visited AU, and have since gone the other way visiting the UK / France etc. I book the first night or two then wing it, never had a drama, hotels, cabins, motels etc, had good and bad but never been without a roof.   

Obviously remember peak holiday times are a bit more risky but I find lots of advantages over pre-booking. Sometimes I'm happy to move on, others I want extra days. Precooked accomodation isn't that easy.

Title: Re: Accommodation on the fly in Europe
Post by: Kiwifruit on Monday, 24 April 2023, 09:39 AM
Thank you gentlemen  :onya:
Title: Re: Accommodation on the fly in Europe
Post by: GSXKING on Monday, 24 April 2023, 12:39 PM
We're on a budget, however we're staying in second tier accommodation 4-5 days in each place travelling very light
Now hoping the weather warms up markedly 🙏🙏🙏☀️☀️☀️
Title: Re: Accommodation on the fly in Europe
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 24 April 2023, 05:37 PM
I tend to use Booking.Com when touring europe, but Air B&B is another option.

For camping with stuff provided you're probably looking at 'glamping', but it's more expensive that cheap hotels whenever I've looked.
Title: Re: Accommodation on the fly in Europe
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Tuesday, 25 April 2023, 04:26 AM
Did a lazy run up to Mossman Gorge (past Port Douglas) not long ago. Didn't book anything and I'm too old and damaged to camp. Ended up in a caravan park cabin, a motel (twice), and a posh but overpriced hotel amongst others.  I always try and keep some funds back incase I can't find anything, folk snap up motel rooms a lot faster than nice hotels but that's always a safety net.

Many years back we did use a motel room in France whilst heading down to the Med. It may have been MOTO-1, very odd to me as it was all done like a vending machine where you paid and got a door entry card and never saw anyone.
Title: Re: Accommodation on the fly in Europe
Post by: Andre on Tuesday, 25 April 2023, 05:41 AM
Maybe this will work for you.

Youth Hostels are not only for the youth; there is no age limit. You do have to be a member. In Germany guests over 27 years of age have to pay a surcharge.

QuoteYouth Hostel Associations around the world are members of Hostelling International,
in fact we have 61 Member Associations and over 3,000 hostels in 59 countries.
https://hihostels.com/our-network-of-hostels (https://hihostels.com/our-network-of-hostels)

Buy a YHA New Zealand membership (30$). You can buy a membership to use in New Zealand and abroad here: https://yhanz-member.audie.nz/ (https://yhanz-member.audie.nz/)


Title: Re: Accommodation on the fly in Europe
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 25 April 2023, 09:14 PM
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Tuesday, 25 April  2023, 04:26 AMMany years back we did use a motel room in France whilst heading down to the Med. It may have been MOTO-1, very odd to me as it was all done like a vending machine where you paid and got a door entry card and never saw anyone.

Formula 1 & Campanmile (I think that's the spelling) are similar to those. Very budget as you say.