The Helpful Hotel Reservation Tip Rick Steves Suggests For Stress-Free Travels

We've all been there: Sitting and staring at the computer screen, nervous to click that "confirm booking" button that'll officially seal the deal. Have you picked the right dates? Is this really the room you want? How can you be sure everything's in order? With all its pros and cons, booking a hotel for your next adventure can be both exciting and nerve-wracking — especially as your departure date inches closer.

After all, there's always a possibility that something might go wrong ... and that you'll be left stranded at your destination. Because whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first big trip, no one wants to arrive at their hotel only to be told that there's no availability, the room was double-booked, or the entire thing was randomly canceled.

Luckily, renowned guidebook author and TV host Rick Steves has a handy trick up his sleeve to ease some of the nerves — and ensure it all goes according to plan. His simple advice? "Always email or call to reconfirm your room reservation a few days in advance," Steves writes on his blog. "This gives you time to improvise in the unlikely event that something has gone wrong with your reservation." With a quick confirmation before your trip, you can quickly save yourself from potential headaches — and give yourself enough time to sort out any issues if they do pop up.

Steves' savvy advice goes beyond just refusing to take the word of an automated confirmation email and using that as gospel. Specifically, he recommends directly reaching out to your accommodation a few days before your arrival — which gives you ample time to address any hiccups that might have occurred — and ensuring that everything is in order. After all, this buffer will be your saving grace if you ever do need to find alternative arrangements.

For smaller establishments like B & Bs or boutique hotels, Steves suggests taking things a step further. "I also call on my day of arrival to tell my host what time I expect to get there," he writes. It's especially helpful to provide them with an estimated check-in time if you plan to arrive later than usual, like after 5 p.m. In line with this, Steves also points out the importance of staying in touch if your travel plans change unexpectedly. If you're running behind schedule on your arrival day, a quick follow-up call can reassure the front desk that you're still coming. This courtesy call not only ensures your room will be ready, but it also helps the staff plan accordingly — and avoids the possibility of them thinking you might be a no-show.

While this simple piece of advice from Steves might not be a game-changer for some travelers, there are plenty of other strategies to ensure smooth sailing when booking accommodations. For starters, another tip recommended by Steves is to avoid using hotel booking sites for making your reservation. While these sites are convenient, Steves argues that booking directly with hotels can actually be a lot more beneficial — including free perks, room upgrades, and potential savings.

Another strategy that'll help you save some stress is knowing what red flags to look for when booking a hotel. Whether it's a poor listing, suspiciously low prices, a lack of recent reviews, or unclear cancellation policies, it's important to be wary of these establishments and choose more reliable options instead. On top of that, it's also wise to always research the hotel's location thoroughly — ensuring it's in a safe and convenient area for your plans.

Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to read the fine print on your reservation! From understanding the check-in and check-out times to getting clarity on their pet policies and any additional charges, knowing exactly what to expect can help prevent any unwelcome (or expensive) surprises. And if all else fails, consider travel insurance for your more expensive or non-refundable hotel bookings — especially when traveling internationally. That way, you're covered if something unexpected throws a wrench in your plans.