Since you’re going to be spending a fair amount of time in one, choosing a decent hotel is an important part of planning a holiday. While you want to save money and stick to your budget, you also want to make sure that you don’t end up staying at a hotel that will make you positively miserable. Thanks to the overabundance of reviews on the Internet these days, it’s easier than ever to track down accommodations that will meet and exceed your expectations; the trick is knowing how to use those reviews to your advantage, which you can learn more about by reading on below.

What’s Important To You?

Before you read a single hotel review, you need to decide what matters the most to you when it comes to hotel accommodations. If you’ll be travelling with children, for instance, you’re going to want to zero in on hotels that cater to families and that are ‘kid friendly.’ If you’re looking for a place that emphasises relaxation and caters to couples, you’ll want to hone in on hotels that have a reputation for doing so - and that discourage younger children. Knowing what you’ll be looking for before beginning your search will make it more productive in the end.

Start With Chain Reviews

Like most people, you will probably spend many of your nights in chain hotels. Hotel chains are spread throughout the world, with one or sometimes more in any of the major tourist destinations and cities. A good way to narrow down your search when looking through hotel reviews is by ruling out entire chains right from the outset. Peruse websites looking for overviews and general reviews of hotel chains. Get an idea for which chains appear to be able to consistently provide the level of service and amenities that you require, discounting any of those who can’t. Doing this will simplify your research later on.

Look At User Reviews

Once you’ve ruled out - or ruled in - any given chain, take a closer look at it by perusing user reviews. There are dozens of websites that feature user reviews of hotels, so finding one won’t be an issue. A website should be easy to navigate, offer information in a straightforward manner and provide plenty more besides. Delve into user reviews and see what average, everyday people have to say about the hotels in your chosen destination. Take notes as needed, marking down specific hotels that meet your requirements - and scratching out those that do not.

Weigh The Reviews

Sometimes, a hotel will have a negative or a less-than-excellent rating and you may be tempted to overlook it entirely - don’t. The fact is, sometimes people give hotels negative reviews for things that wouldn’t even matter to you anyway. For instance, a hotel in a major city might have poor reviews because it charges a large amount for parking; if you won’t be driving, though, such complaints shouldn’t matter. Similarly, a hotel might have negative reviews for not offering enough family-friendly features; if you’re travelling alone or as a couple, such things won’t matter one bit to you. Check out travel guides and every other source that will provide you with a reasonably impartial review of the area.

Get An Overall Picture

As you begin to zero in on a handful of prospective hotels, dig deeper and deeper into the reviews that you find online. Pay attention to the date of user-submitted reviews; those that are more than a year or two old should be taken with a grain of salt. The more reviews you read, the better idea you will have for what any given hotel is like. In time, an overall picture will begin to form and you will know which hotels are acceptable - and which are not.

In the end, online reviews – like those you’d find on a travel social network – will help you get a better idea for which hotels will benefit you - and which will not. You will be able to enjoy a better holiday when you know what you’re getting yourself into, too. No matter where your specific interests and tastes may lie, reviews can help you narrow down your search so that you arrive at the best option possible. This research can be conducted relatively quickly, and you don’t even need to leave home or pick up the phone once. It’s one of the simplest ways to ensure a great hotel stay, so be sure to do it.

Here are a few suggestions for picking the perfect hotel for your holiday:

• Do thorough research on hotel types and locations
• Don’t go by price alone
• Don’t rely on one source
• Consult the Internet and travel agencies
• Ensure the hotel can deal with all your requirements

Whether you’re a beginner or are quite experienced at it, snorkelling can be a lot of fun. By exploring the depths of the ocean, you can see a multitude of incredible plants and animals in their natural environment. Indeed, snorkelling is a bit like visiting another planet - without having to don a spacesuit or be rocketed into outer space. If you’d like to go on a bona fide snorkelling holiday but aren’t sure quite where to go, there are several excellent spots around the globe to choose from; check out our top five picks by reading on below.

Dean’s Blue Hole, Bahamas

As the world’s deepest blue hole, Dean’s Blue Hole is a true marvel. This tropical paradise can be found at the Long Island, located in the Bahamas; offering up some spectacular snorkeling opportunities for those who visit. A blue hole occurs when the roof of a very old cave system collapses into the sea. At Dean’s Blue Hole, you’ll be mesmerised by the rapid way that the floor descends down to 600 feet; the white sands and crystal clear waters are stunning, too. In addition to a dizzying array of fish, you may spy many other creatures like turtles, dolphins or porpoises as you swim around this remarkable place. For world-class snorkelling, Dean’s Blue Hole is a natural choice.

The Seychelles Islands

The Seychelles are more than 100 islands that are scattered off the east coast of Kenya, and they offer up some of the most unspoiled, scenic and peaceful beaches - and snorkelling opportunities - in the world. The coral reefs here are unforgettably beautiful, and the sea life is varied enough to keep you on your toes at every turn. You can choose to snorkel in popular, more-populated areas - or stick with more out-of-the-way, less crowded locales. Beginners can easily find instruction, while more experienced snorkellers will find plenty to keep them busy. Wherever you choose to snorkel, if it’s within the Seychelles Islands you are going to have an experience unlike any other.

Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii

As the place where Captain Cook perished, Kealakekua Bay is historically significant and worth a visit for that reason alone. However, the real fun can be found beneath the surface of the pure blue waters just off its coast. Because the bay - and its snorkelling spots - are off the beaten path, you can rest assured that you will enjoy quite a bit of privacy while snorkelling here. To get to the bay, you’ll need to hike or kayak there - but it’s well worth it. Underwater lava caves make snorkelling here a true delight; watching the fish dart their way in and out of those caves is truly mesmerising. Eels are also plentiful here, and are a pleasure to observe. Finally, humpback whales and dolphins regularly pay visits here, so be on the lookout!

Norman Reef, Australia

People around the world know that the Great Barrier Reef is a true snorkelling mecca. As vast as it is, though, choosing a single spot to focus your efforts on can be daunting. If you’re only going to snorkel in one place while visiting, make it the Norman Reef. You cannot simply walk or paddle over to the reef; a boat trip is necessary, but very worth it. With giant clams and an abundance of colourful fish swarming around the coral shelves, there is plenty to see and experience in this fantastic location. For sheer beauty, variety and splendour, Norman Reef is a wonderful place to snorkel.

The Red Sea

There are a couple of great choices when it comes to snorkelling in the Red Sea; Sharm el Sheikh and Safaga, Egypt are at the top of the list. If you want to see what snorkelling in the Red Sea is all about, choose one of those places as your jumping off point. With crystal clear waters, you can sample some spectacular tropical fish who congregate in vast numbers in this fantastic setting. There’s definitely a reason why the Red Sea has earned such a positive reputation in the world of snorkelling; book a holiday there to find out for yourself - you definitely will not be disappointed.

To enjoy the perfect holiday though you need to research all aspects. This includes checking the very best hotels within the area and maybe consulting some travel guides to find out what to do and where else to visit. You could also consult a travel social network, where people share experiences and can give you the inside track on what you can expect to find, including both warnings and recommendations.

Here are a few tips for ensuring your snorkelling trip is a success:

• Clear waters
• Secluded location
• Avoid snorkelling near sharp rocks
• Proper tuition for the less experienced
• No dangerous currents