We are mostly freelance travelers and prefer not to commit too far in advance for accommodations so we do have to stay on a strict schedule. Does anyone know if the tourist centers in towns in these countries will assist us in finding overnight accommodations?
Posted by
9 posts
I don't get it. If you are on a strict schedule, why wait to "commit" to booking? Information do assist in bookings. What do you think they are there for? Seriously. Have you ever traveled before?
Posted by
San Antonio TX, United States
2393 posts
I am thinking OP mis-typed and means "do not". Along woth many other services the TI's will help find lodging.
We travel a lot with no advance reservations - I usually reserve our next hotel the last night at our current location - that way I know I have a place to at least leave the bags in our new location.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15585 posts
If you are planning on using trains in Spain, you'll get huge discounts by buying in advance - but that locks you into an itinerary.
Posted by
Germany
24 posts
My experience with Spanish hotels is that they all (or maybe almost all) offer free WIFI. If you want to travel free and easy just book one night ahead.
Once we were already staying in a hotel and easily extended our stay by online booking on booking.com.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks everyone for your comments. I always find other travelers information and advice useful. I asked this question because I have run into situations where the tourist centers would not assist with locating accommodations and never having been to Spain wanted other travelers opinions.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15585 posts
My impession after 8-9 years as a regular on the RS forums is that 99% book in advance, even if it's only a night or two ahead of time. Another impression is that Lonely Planet's Thorntree forums are more for the backpacking set and you might get more info there.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
2942 posts
Spain is one of the top touristic destinations in the world... I wouldn't advise coming "unannounced", especially when visiting major cities, as you might find yourself without accommodation -or having to pay an arm and a leg for an overnight. While this applies all year round -there are no seasons anymore- it's particularly true in summer and also in those other dates where major events are hosted.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6563 posts
If travelling to the high tourist areas during the summer months, making advance reservations might be better. If travelling in other than June-August you should have little trouble finding a place to stay. I seldom make reservations more than a day in advance and occasionally just find a place to stay when I arrive in town. I do my own research on the web a day or so in advance, when I have more of an idea where I'll be. I never depend on the information centers.