I traveled around Europe, and my accommodation ranged from a castle to 5-star hotels. Here are my tips for finding unforgettable stays.

Insider's reporter stayed in a European castle and the luxury hotel where "The White Lotus" was filmed in Sicily, Italy.

• Earlier this year I traveled to Luxembourg and Sicily, Italy. 
• My accommodation, which included a castle and 5-star hotels, was my favorite part.
• Finding unforgettable stays takes research and budgeting. 

The type of accommodation you choose during your travels can often make or break a trip.

When I planned two work trips to Europe earlier this year, I took incredible care with selecting the hotels I was going to stay in.

Tourists often think of accommodation as nothing more than a place to rest your head at night, but it can be so much more than that. It can be an opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of your chosen location, or a reminder as to why you were inspired to visit in the first place. 

Luxembourg and Sicily, Italy, were on the itinerary, and my accommodation ranged from a fairytale castle to 5-star hotels.

Ask yourself: What's your chosen country or city known for?

Back in March, I spent three days in Luxembourg, a tiny European nation that's known as the wealthiest country in the world, according to an August 2022 report by Global Finance.

Luxembourg has 645,000 residents and is smaller than Rhode Island. When researching the country ahead of time, I discovered that it's known for its free public transport, its magnificent castles, and of course, its wealth.

As a rich and small nation, I realized this would be the ideal location to experience affordable luxury. 

I spent one night at Hotel Le Royal, a five-star hotel in Luxembourg City, the country's only city. I stayed in a traditional queen room, which had a queen-sized double bed, a TV, a dressing table, and a bathroom with a bath and shower. 

The hotel was beautifully decorated and had a bar, restaurant, spa, and an indoor pool. At $275.70 per night, the hotel was far more affordable than other five-star hotels I've visited in London and Italy. 

For the next portion of my trip, I wanted to stay somewhere that gave me a sense of Luxembourg's history. The country has more than 70 castles, some of which date back 1,000 years, according to Luxembourg's official website.

After doing my research, I realized that many of these castles had been turned into visitor attractions — but only a select few seemed to be in use as hotels. I opted to spend two nights in Chateau d'Urspelt, a 300-year-old castle in the countryside that was converted into a spa hotel in 2008.

I stayed in a superior room, which cost €376, or around $410 for two nights. The room itself was modern (it had a queen-sized bed, a flat-screen TV, and a walk-in bathroom with a bathtub and shower). Nonetheless, walking the castle grounds and the courtyard made me feel as though I had stepped back in time.

I'm so glad that I got to experience accommodation that aligned with Luxembourg's cultural and historical identity, and would advise all travelers to do the same if it's within your budget.

Take inspiration from your favorite shows or movies

I'd also advise tourists to take care when selecting a trip based on their favorite shows or movies.

From Parisian apartments inspired by "Emily in Paris," to the house where part of "Sex Education" was filmed in England, there are so many options. But you don't have to stay at an actual filming location in order to experience the magic of your favorite series or film.

I visited Sicily, Italy, in April to review San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, where season two of "The White Lotus" was filmed. 

I stayed in a sea-view room with a terrace, which cost $2,248, or around €2,047, for one night and the price included breakfast.  

And while the hotel was fantastic, I didn't think it was worth the price tag since my favorite aspects of the hotel — the restaurants and the surrounding scenery — could be accessed without booking an expensive overnight stay.

After checking out of San Domenico Palace, I spent two nights at UnaHotels Capotaormina, a 4-star hotel that was far more affordable at €242.90, or around $261.65, per night. The hotel has many of the same perks as San Domenico Palace, including a private infinity pool, sea views, and impressive restaurants. 

It also has a private beach, which San Domenico Palace doesn't have — even though it was shown as having one on the show.

I definitely experienced "The White Lotus" charm in both hotels, with UnaHotels costing significantly less.

Next time I visit an on-screen destination, I'll be sure to avoid the most obvious or expensive choice if there are equally beautiful but less costly options available.