Planning where you will stay on your European trip is largely depending on your requirements. If you are very particular about standards at hotels then you should book in advance to avoid problems when you arrive at your destination. If you are flexible and are prepared to risk turning up to a hotel or hostel without booking you may be able to negotiate lower than the rack rates you might have paid had you booked in advance.

Depending on your budget there is generally a wealth of accommodation on offer in all of the major European destinations. If you are looking for a hotel room in Europe, although pretty self-explanatory, be aware of different specifications of the rooms.

• single – room: for one person
• double – room: for two people in one bed
• double single use:  a double room but charging extra for one person using it (a single supplement)
• twin: a room for 2 in two beds
• triple: a room for 3 (could be 2 beds or three singles)
• quadruple – a room for 4 (could be 2 beds, 3 beds, or 4 twin beds)
• There are often also rooms listed as “double/twin”. These are twin beds that can be zipped together into one large double. So they are usable by a couple or by two single people.