When planning your trip it’s important to have a list of “go to” sites to help you along the way. My goal is to always experience a little bit of culture, but get pampered at the same time. I tend to have an expensive taste, but can’t always afford it. These sites help me have the best of both worlds because this girl is no hostel girl.
Tip: Find Areas of Interest.
I have found it the easiest when I land on areas (within the cities/countries) I want to visit during my holiday and then nail down places to stay. Once you know where you are going to stay, the trip seems to fall in place.
https://www.i-escape.com/ : ABSOLUTELY DIE OVER THIS SITE. It has never led me the wrong way. I book the majority of my trips here. In fact, I typically find the areas I want to stay in based on where they have suggested.
https://www.airbnb.com/ : I’ve stayed all over the world and Airbnb has never disappointed. You are able to really dive into the culture and city wherever you are staying. Easiest way to pick neighborhoods to stay in is to pull up maps of cities and find areas that are closest to what you are interested in doing. Typically those areas tend to be the most expensive, but if you can research the transit there and find neighborhoods that are easily accessible by public transportation it often is the best and most affordable option. The host will typically have recommendations of restaurants and things to do in neighborhood, so use them as often as you can. I have found every host to be helpful and friendly. Highly recommend for the following cities; Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, NYC, and Barcelona.
https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/ : Similar to iEscape. Not as many places on this site, but always worth it to look.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ : Always, Always, Always use this site to cross reference if the place you are looking to stay at is legitimate. Websites tend to “oversell” a place and people's comments are typically spot on to the type of experience you will have.
Happy Traveling!