When you research accommodations for your next trip, traveler Jon Miksis believes the first thing you should do is figure out what you want. "Are you looking for a luxurious resort or a hostel or guesthouse? Do you want to be within walking distance of the beach, or are you happy in a peaceful countryside setting? These are some of the questions I ask myself before booking a place," Miksis told Bored Panda. "Once you get clarity on your preferences, you can start your search for accommodation."

"One of the most important things to consider before booking is location, location, location," Miksis added. "It's all about finding the right balance between proximity to the things you want to see and do, and peace and quiet. You don't want to be right in the middle of a noisy tourist area if you're looking for a relaxing getaway, but you also don't want to be so far off the beaten path that it takes you hours to get anywhere."

Another important component of the pleasant stay equation is price. "It's important to find a place that fits within your budget, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality," Miksis said. "Keep an eye out for deals and promotions, and be sure to read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what kind of value you're getting for your money."

"Lastly, don't forget to read the fine print! Make sure you know the amenities included (like free Wi-Fi or breakfast), what the cancellation policy is, and if there are any hidden fees or taxes you need to be aware of."

Miksis thinks that there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to hotels and Airbnbs; it all comes down to your travel style. "When I'm looking for comfort and convenience, I'll stay at hotels. If I'm looking for adventures and more local experiences, I'll go with Airbnbs," he explained.

"Hotels tend to have better amenities than Airbnbs, including pools, gyms, daily housekeeping and room service, 24-hour reception, and more. So, if I'm looking for more of a comfortable getaway, hotels are my go-to."

Conversely, when the traveler is feeling adventurous, he prefers private hosts. "With Airbnb, you can find unique accommodations — from quirky treehouses and tiny houses to cozy apartments in the city. Plus, you get a more local experience by staying in a residential neighborhood and cooking your own meals. And let's not forget the added bonus of having a local host who can offer recommendations on the best-hidden gems in the area!"

"For the past year or so, I actually have been using VRBO instead of Airbnb for vacation rentals, because the fees are lower and the customer service is better. Just an FYI!"

However, it's impossible to consider (and prepare) for everything. Every now and then you will be disappointed. "It's one of the worst feelings when you get to the property and it doesn't meet your expectations," Jon Mikssi said. "Maybe the photos were misleading or the description was inaccurate — whatever the reason, it can put a real damper on your trip. However, there are a few steps you can take to try and remedy the situation."

"Firstly, it's important to communicate your concerns to the property owner/manager. They might not be aware that there's an issue and they might be able to fix it for you. Whether it's a noisy AC unit, a dirty bathroom, or an uncomfortable bed, don't be afraid to speak up and let them know what's not up to par. Sometimes a quick fix is all it takes to turn things around," the traveler explained.

But not all property managers are able (or even willing) to address your concerns. If that's the case, according to Miksis, the next step is to contact the booking platform you used to make the reservation.

"They might be able to mediate the situation and help you find a resolution. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including photos, so they can fully understand the situation and take proper action."

In some cases, you may even need to go further and find alternative accommodations. "If you're staying for an extended period of time, or if the issue is particularly egregious, you might want to consider finding a new place to stay," Miksis said. "Be sure to review the cancelation policy and any fees that might be involved before making any decisions."

"And lastly, be sure to leave a review of the experience for future travelers to see. It's important to be honest and detailed so others can make informed decisions when booking their own accommodations," he added. "Just remember, even bad experiences have their upsides. They provide you with valuable lessons for future travels!"