7 useful tips that will help you when staying in a hotel abroad

Overnight stays in hotels are one of the important components of the scenario of multi-day trips abroad. It doesn't matter whether you are traveling for work or leisure - you always want to expect that the hotel will host a warm welcome, the room will be cozy, and the restaurant will be delicious.  

That's why we have collected here seven tips that will help you organize your stay at the hotel in such a way that it makes your trip easier and gives you strength.  

1. Check the availability of documents

Everything begins long before settling in - at the stage of planning the trip itself. First, make sure you have all the documents.

To travel abroad, you must have a foreign passport. If you have never traveled outside of Ukraine before, you will have to issue this document before your trip. It can take up to a month and a half to get your passport, so it's important to plan ahead to get your travel documents in time for your trip. If you already have a foreign passport, check its validity period. 

Also, check the entry rules of the country you plan to go to. Because some countries do not require a visa, some allow you to get one on arrival, and others require you to apply for a visa in advance and wait a long time for it to be processed. 

Be sure to take out a travel insurance policy. It can be asked when crossing the border. Insurance can significantly simplify life in many unforeseen situations. In addition to the basic package of services, which includes assistance in emergency situations, transportation to the hospital, outpatient and inpatient care, many additional items can be added that will make your policy a truly useful document.

Do not forget to make copies of all important documents: passport, visa, insurance policy, in case your originals are lost or stolen. It is better to have both hard copies and digital copies!

2. Book a room

The online booking process is very simple and fast. If you know where you want to stay, you can book a room through the hotel's website. And if you don't know, use the reservation services. There you need to specify the city, dates of arrival and departure and the number of people. It is convenient, because you can choose the Ukrainian language and currency, which you can easily navigate. You can also filter your search by price or reviews.

When the hotel is found - choose a room that suits you in terms of price and comfort, enter the necessary contact information and payment method. After the transaction is completed, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details of the reservation.

If your plans change, you can also make adjustments to the booking dates online, or cancel the booking within the specified periods without additional costs. 

3. Familiarize yourself with the hotel and its rules

Before booking, we advise you to go to the website of the hotel where you plan to stay and make sure that its rules meet your expectations.

Pay attention to these rules:

• Billing: What currency do they accept?

• Is it possible to pay with the card of your payment system?

• What are the check-in and check-out times? Failure to do so may result in additional fees. 

• Accommodation with animals: some hotels prohibit accommodation with pets, or require special documents.

• No smoking. 

• Many hotels additionally collect a tourist tax, the money from which goes to the development of the tourist infrastructure of the region.

4. Specify all additional wishes when booking

If you have special wishes regarding your comfort, do not hesitate to indicate this when booking. If your wishes do not contradict the rules of the hotel and it corresponds to its status, they will meet you.

When booking, tell the administrator what is important to you: a quiet room, a sea view, extra towels or a cot for a baby. Also, many hotels offer a transfer from the bus station or airport - so why not use this service and get to the hotel in comfort without unnecessary worries?

5. Take the necessary things with you, which may not be in the hotel

If you plan to stay in a hotel below 4 stars, we advise you to bring things that will make you more comfortable. 

• Gadgets, power banks and chargers.

• Hygiene products: toothbrush, paste, soap, shampoo, shower gel.

• Small household appliances: hair dryer, curling iron, straightener, electric shaver.

• Robe and slippers.

• Those who live with small children should take care of baby food, hygiene products and toys.

6. Minimize the language barrier

We can assure you that even without an excellent knowledge of English or the local language, they will be able to find a common language with you - the hotel administrators definitely have a lot of experience in such situations. But knowing such basic phrases definitely won't hurt:

• Check-in-date - check-in date.

• Check-out-date - departure date.

• An arrival time is the time of arrival.

• l reserve - I reserve.

• Single Room – Single room.

• Twin\Double Room – Double room. 

• Triple Room – Triple room.

• Breakfast - Breakfast.

If you have at least a basic level of English, you will be understood and will be able to tell you everything in most hotels in the world, because this is one of the main requirements for service workers. 

By the way, many Ukrainians work in the field of hospitality all over the world. Who knows, maybe in a seemingly hopeless situation, where it will be difficult for you to get along with the staff, our compatriot will be found there and will answer you in Ukrainian!

7. Save the phone number of the hotel administrator

Keep the number of the hotel administrator in your phone and call him if necessary, or write in messengers - Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp or Messenger. It is advisable to write only for important matters - to book a table, taxi, bring breakfast to the room or pick up things for ironing. 

The administrator will answer you as soon as there is a free moment.

Staying at a hotel can be a wonderful addition to your trip to a new city. This is a great option for those who are looking for coziness and comfort when traveling, and are willing to pay for additional amenities. 

Having booked a hotel, all you have to do is prepare for a wonderful trip and enjoy your stay in a new place upon arrival!