How to Book Accommodation with Ease: Tips for Travellers on the Autism Spectrum
Booking accommodations is a key part of planning any trip. Knowing what type of accommodations suit your needs, how to book effectively and efficiently, and which platforms to use can make a big difference in creating a more pleasant travel experience— especially for autistic travellers like myself.
It can be stressful and time consuming to book accommodations. Here are some tips I have learned that can make booking accommodations much easier.
1. Book Hotels for Comfort and Reliability
A great start for accommodations that are most suitable for autistic travellers is to stay at hotels. They typically offer quiet rooms, spacious environments, quality service, and staff who can help you find local attractions and activities.
I used to be very dependent on my travel agent when it came to hotel recommendations, but I have since learned it can be hassle free to book a hotel directly through their website (i.e, Radisson or Marriott). Simply enter your destination, select your dates, and input your payment details.
Having a private space after a long day of travel—especially on an organized tour—has made a huge difference in my travel experience. For me, privacy isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. This is my hotel room in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
2. Choose Free Cancellation When Possible
Although it may cost a bit more, I strongly advocate for travellers to make sure the accommodation you book has a Free Cancellation option, typically up to 24 hours before your stay. I often use Booking.com (refer to section below) to book my accommodations because it provides a wide selection of flexible cancellation options at reasonable prices. Why do I suggest this? Plans can change! Especially these days with more flight cancellations. It’s especially helpful when applying for a visa that requires proof of accommodation—you can book the hotel, include it in your application, and cancel later if needed.
3. Use Booking.com for Ease and Rewards
As I mentioned in the previous section, Booking.com is one of the most user-friendly platforms out there. When you visit the site, you'll see three main input fields:
Destination (e.g., London)
Dates of stay
Number of guests (adults and children)
Once you search, you’ll see a range of accommodations that match your criteria. To save money, I suggest filtering by three- or four-star properties and selecting the “Free Cancellation” checkbox.
Pro tip: Sign up for a Genius account. It's free, and the more you book, the more benefits you earn. When you complete a number of stays within a specified period (i.e., two years), you earn more benefits at specified accommodations. I’m currently a Genius Level 3 member and receive discounts (sometimes up to 20%), perks like free breakfast, and priority customer support. It’s saved me a lot of money over the years.
4. Let Organized Tours Handle It
If you're traveling with a reputable tour company, they’ll typically handle all the planning, including booking your hotels. This is a huge time-saver and takes a lot of pressure off your shoulders.
However, if you’re traveling solo, keep in mind that you will likely be paired with another traveler unless you pay extra for a single room supplement. While this might seem costly, I strongly recommend it for autistic travellers—it provides personal space and privacy, especially after a long day of social interaction or sightseeing.
In my experience, paying for a single room supplement is essential for privacy. It allows me to get some extra rest without the inconvenience of sharing with someone I don’t know.
Disclaimer: Some tours include shared accommodations in certain destinations (e.g., yurt camps in Kyrgyzstan or bunk beds on an overnight train in Egypt). If this is an issue for a traveller on the autism spectrum, kindly prepare an email expressing your concerns in advance to the tour leader and hopefully a solution can be worked out. As always, remember to remain calm and patient when dealing with this situation.
5. Consider Booking Through a Travel Agent
This is more of an old-school approach, but using a trusted travel agent can still be a great option. This includes booking an accommodation in your destination. If phone calls are stressful, consider drafting an email with all your details and needs—they can take it from there. I have a family friend who has been a travel agent for 40 years. He offers thoughtful suggestions, arranges travel insurance (sometimes for a discounted price), and always finds accommodations that are suitable for my needs.
6. Ask Family or Friends for a Place to Stay
During peak travel seasons or major events (like Carnival in Brazil or the Kentucky Derby), hotel prices can skyrocket, and availability may be limited. When that happens, don’t be afraid to reach out to family or friends who live in your destination.
Whether it’s a guest room, a couch, or just floor space for a sleeping bag, staying with someone you know can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. For example, when I went to Miami for Formula 1, I stayed at my parents’ apartment. Hotel prices that weekend ranged from $500 to $1000 per night!
Final Thoughts
Booking accommodations has become much more accessible with the right tools and strategies. Whether you're an autistic traveler like me or just looking to simplify your travel planning, these tips can help you save money, reduce stress, and make the most of your journey.
Happy travels—and remember, the right booking strategy can turn a good trip into a great one. Have tips of your own? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!
