Hi

Please advise.
Me and My boyfriend are going travelling in a few months time for 15 months. Do you think it is a good idea to book hostels in advance or just turn up at a location and find hostels then? Please give me as many point of views as possible. Mt boyfriend wants to just turn but, where I have sugguested to him we should book some on them in advance. We have booked our first stop - Rio.
We are also going to New Zealand, Fiji, Australia, Bali, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, India and Nepal.

Which places are best to book in advance and which are best just to turn up? Thanks for all your help.

Cheers
x

I think whether you pre-book or not is entirely up to yourself and what makes you feel comforable and safe.

If you're worried about just turning up and your boyfriend does want to pre book. Why not just book your first nights accommodation at each place you're visiting? at least that way you always know when you arrive somewhere you have somewhere to stay and if you like it you can extend and if not find somewhere else to stay he next day when you're not jet lagged and daunted by a new enviroment

Happy travels

In my opinion you should only book in countries that are expensive and/or have fewer accommodations. Otherwise, just show up. This will provide you with maximum flexibility and freedom to stay longer/shorter in your last destination. With that said, I'll recommend the following...

New Zealand: book your first nights stay in Auckland, then get one of the hostel guides and play it by ear (BTW, NZ is great for hosteling);
Fiji: (no advice, never been there);
Australia: book in advance the first night;
Bali: they don't have "hostels". Their guest houses are cheap and abundant, so no need to pre-book;
Singapore: It can be an expensive place. I highly recommend pre-booking at Backpacker Cozy Corner Hostel/GH. Email them at happyjohn@cozycornerguest.com. I suggest ordering a private room. Cheap!;
Thailand: No hostels either. Many cheap guest houses and hotels around Khao San Road;
Vietnam: no need to pre-book. Many cheap hotels and guest houses there too;
Laos: same as above;
Cambodia: ditto;
India: ditto;
Nepal: ditto (also visit www.trekkinginnepal.com for treks. They'll also find you cheap accommodations. Ask for Hira.)

Have a great adventure!

Ricardo
www.LaptopHobo.com
working | living >>remotely

Don't be pressured in Thailand by tourist offices in Thailand saying that everywhere will be full either - this is just to get you to book through them. There's plenty of choice and you are free just to turn up (unless you want to go to Koh Phag nan for the full moon party. If your bus/train/other mode of transport is going to drop you off late at night/early morning then you might want to book ahead and arrange for someone from the guest house to pick you up.

M

there are plenty of decent & cheap places to stay when you get there...the food is also cheap in thailand & cambodia

if you get the chance do a trip from sam reap (cambodia) to the floating village for sun set...it is amazing (really romantic too)

I'm in Sydney Central at the moment and get thrown out tomorrow coz I did not plan early enough, let this be a lesson to you!!!

Happy Trails - D.R.