Choosing Your Accomodation: Stairs, a Buggered Ankle, and Ireland in 2nd Gear

I once had to drive a manual car around Ireland in 2nd gear after misjudging the last step at a B&B and doing some serious damage to my ankle. Not my finest travel moment — and a story my family still laughs about today!

Which brings me to one of the most important parts of travel planning: choosing your accommodation. Where you stay can absolutely make or break your trip, so it’s worth giving it some thought before you hit that “book now” button.

Hotels

Hotels are the obvious choice — especially if you’re travelling solo. They offer security, concierge services, reliable taxi or transport options, someone to help with heavy bags, and (most importantly) lifts! Believe me, stairs and suitcases are not a great combination.

Hotels often let you store your luggage after checkout too, which is a lifesaver if you’ve got a late flight.

👉 Travel tip: Whenever possible, book direct with the hotel or through your travel agent rather than a third-party site. It’s usually much easier to change or cancel if your plans shift. And don’t underestimate your travel agent — many of them have personally inspected or stayed at the hotels and can give you valuable recommendations.

Airbnb

I’ve stayed in plenty of Airbnbs over the years, and they can be wonderful — especially if you’re travelling with family or friends. You get more space, a kitchen, and sometimes even a garden.

But here’s the thing: in Europe, stairs are practically guaranteed. And they’re not always friendly when you’re hauling luggage.

On one trip, I booked an Airbnb on the 3rd floor in Greenwich while travelling with my daughter, son-in-law, and my 18-month-old granddaughter. My poor son-in-law had to drag three 25kg suitcases up three flights of stairs — let’s just say he wasn’t overly impressed with my booking choice.

So, if you’re considering Airbnb, always factor in accessibility — especially if you’re travelling with little ones or have heavy bags in tow.

Bed & Breakfasts

I have a real soft spot for B&Bs. They’re especially good if you’re exploring rural areas and small villages with a car. My mum and I had some lovely stays in south-west England, where the hosts went above and beyond to share local tips and hidden gems we never would have discovered otherwise.

But, of course, adventures sometimes come with mishaps — like that step I misjudged in Ireland that left me stuck driving in 2nd gear!

House Sitting

I haven’t tried this myself, but many travellers rave about house sitting. It’s budget-friendly, often comes with the comforts of home, and lets you experience living like a local. Definitely worth looking into if you’re after something different.

Hostels

Don’t dismiss hostels as “just for backpackers.” Plenty of women I know choose hostels regularly. They love the social atmosphere, the chance to meet like-minded travellers, and, of course, the budget savings. These days, you’ll also find boutique-style hostels that feel more like boutique hotels.

Things to Consider

No matter what type of accommodation you choose, keep in mind:

• Proximity to public transport (especially in big cities).

• How easy it will be to reach your next destination.

• Accessibility — particularly if you’ve got heavy bags, mobility concerns, or little ones with you.

  
  

Using Travel Tools

This is where tech comes in handy. Tools like ChatGPT are brilliant for narrowing down choices. For example, you can ask:

• “List 5-star hotels within walking distance of Rome’s Colosseum that have a pool.”

• “Find me an Airbnb in the Tuscan countryside with 3 bedrooms and children’s toys.”

Once I’ve got a shortlist, I usually jump over to Tripadvisor to check reviews, amenities, and nearby restaurants.

(Stay tuned — I’ll be writing a full blog soon on the best travel apps soon)

Wrap Up

The internet is overflowing with videos and guides to help you choose accommodation, but in the end, it’s about finding what works best for you.

And if you take just one thing away from my mishaps — remember: check for stairs before you book! 😉

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