Save on Accommodation
Are you looking to save money on travel? And more specifically, saving on accommodation? You are in the right place.
Because travelling does not have to be expensive, in this article I give you tips, so you don’t pay more for accommodation.
Accommodation, along with transportation, is one of the main expenses when it comes to travelling. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to minimise this cost. In this post, I will guide you through some practical tips and tricks to help you save money on accommodation for your travels.
As I mentioned in another post, I strongly advise against searching for accommodation upon arrival at your destination. Doing so can be a time-consuming process, and you may end up paying more than necessary or settling for unpleasant accommodations.
If you’re like me and have limited time for travel and want to save money without compromising quality, you’ve come to the right place.
I avoid using modes of accommodation like couch-surfing, where one can stay on someone’s couch for free. It’s great that it is free, but I am particular about hygiene and have seen couches where I wouldn’t sleep even if I were paid to do so.
I’m not trying to offend anyone. I just want to clarify that my recommendations focus on comfortable and affordable travel.
These are my tips to save on accommodation:
Search Tips
- ✳️ Choose what type of accommodation best suits your needs/preferences. It’ll help you determine where to look for it since there are usually specialised websites for each accommodation type.
If you require more clarification on your options, refer to my post on Types of Accommodation. It includes recommendations for search pages as well.
Keep an open mind, and do not eliminate any options until you’ve compared prices.
The reason is that not all cities are the same. Sometimes, renting a flat can be more cost-effective than booking a hotel, even if you are not travelling with a group. In addition, you’ll be able to save money on food by shopping at a local supermarket and having breakfast at home.
Likewise, hostels are often a budget-friendly option if you’re travelling solo or with a group. However, if you’re looking for a room with a private bathroom, the price of a double or single room may be similar or even higher than that of a hotel.
- ✳️ Always search and compare before hiring anything. Several search websites are available, and the choice of which one to use depends on the type of accommodation you’re looking for. You may be familiar with well-known websites such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb. Still, others, such as Trivago or Skyscanner Hotels, can help you find the cheapest price for specific accommodation by showing you where to look.
- ✳️ Many airlines offer discounts if you book a hotel through their website. It’s not always cheaper, but it’s worth checking out.
- ✳️ Many hotels also have loyalty programs and offer discounts to their members. It’s free to subscribe, and you can get exciting promotions.
Tips to Keep in Mind Before Booking
- ✳️ Once you have selected the appropriate accommodation and price, review all additional expenses before hiring. Many web pages might not show all the taxes and charges that must be paid at the destination, such as the “tourist tax.” These taxes can increase the total cost of your stay, so it’s always advisable to be aware of them beforehand.
- ✳️ Pay attention to the location. The accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on the area.
Being well-located is crucial because travelling will save you time and money. However, especially in large cities with different central neighbourhoods, choosing a less popular area, although well located, can significantly reduce the cost.
- ✳️ If you find a hotel you like, it’s worth checking directly with the hotel for better prices and offers.
Tips for Booking
- ✳️ Book in advance. Not only can you save money, but you can also easily find a broader range of accommodations that match your preferences and budget.
- ✳️ If possible, book with free cancellation and keep searching for better options. You may find something better later.
I hope you liked the article and found it helpful.
If you have any questions or queries you would like to ask, do not hesitate to contact me by leaving a comment below or through the contact form. I will be happy to help 😊
Now that you know how to save on transportation and accommodation (this post), you can return to the Travel Cheap page or continue with the following travel savings category: Save on Transfers.
