Do you plan to travel on a tight budget? Saving money by finding cheap accommodation is a great option for those who want to explore new places. When things are inexpensive, they can be a bad deal. You’re looking for value for money. It may be more affordable to stay in a hotel, but it could take 20 minutes to reach the city by subway. Is that worth it to you? Only you can make the decision. You can save money by using my travel tips.
1. Book in Advance
Booking in advance is the best way to find cheap accommodations while you travel. This means you should plan your trip in advance and secure your accommodation before you reach your destination. This is a great way to avoid travel stress!
Book early to get the best deals on hotels and hostels. You will also have more choices. Booking early can get you discounts and special rates. Booking ahead will give you peace of mind, knowing that you won’t need to worry about finding accommodation when you arrive.
Start by researching accommodation options in the area that you intend to visit. To get an idea about the hotels available in the area, I usually start by using a hotel booking website. Compare prices on websites such as Booking.com and Hostelworld, or read reviews of other travellers. If you find a place to stay that suits your needs and budget, book as soon as you can to get the best price. Compare the bookings made on a third-party website with those done directly.
Booking in advance will save you money and allow you to enjoy your trip without stress, knowing that the accommodation has been taken care of.
Pro Travel Tip: If you are booking a third party for a hotel, call to confirm that they have received your reservation. This will help prevent miscommunications between the hotel and third parties.
2. Free cancellation on all rooms
It’s not something anyone wants to consider, but there are several reasons why a trip can be cancelled. To have peace of mind, book rooms that allow cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Booking.com is my favourite site for this reason. You can book and pay later. You can lock in a rate this way! You can also call the hotel to confirm that they will honour their cancellation and cost policy if you are hesitant about booking through a third party. If you book through a third party, it is still wise to call the hotel and confirm that they have received the reservation.
You should always check the cancellation policy and any restrictions or deadlines before booking. This may not directly save you money, but if you are unable to travel for some reason, you will get your money back. Always be cautious rather than regretful!
Travel tip: If you book your hotel with a credit card, you will earn airline miles!
3. Stay for more than one night!
Staying more than one night at the same location can help you find cheaper accommodation. Hotels and hostels often offer discounts on longer stays. For example, “stay four nights, pay only for three” deals. These hotel deals can be a great way for you to save.
You can save money by staying in one place for several nights. You can save money by staying at one location. To get to a different place. You don’t need to move your luggage.
These deals are usually available in the slower seasons or off-seasons. If you are flexible about your travel dates (see next tip!), you can save even more money. Take advantage of these discounts to save even more money.
Ask them about any deals they might have. Some hotels offer a special for a seven-night stay. This allows you to spend less money on day trips and stay longer at a destination.
4. Travel dates can be flexible
When travelling, being flexible about your dates of travel is the best way to get cheap accommodations. The price of hotels and hostels can be affected by the day and time of the year. Saving money by travelling in the shoulder season or off-season can be a great idea. If your travel plans are flexible, you can try to adjust your dates.
You can also use websites to compare prices for multiple dates. Then, you can adjust your travel plans based on the days that offer the lowest rates.
Be flexible with your travel dates, and this may also apply to your destination. If you are open to exploring new locations, you may find some great accommodation deals. Explore more and get off the beaten track!
5. Stay Sunday
It is possible to get cheap accommodations by staying over a Sunday. There can be a Sunday night void in many hotels, as they receive bookings for Friday and Saturday nights from leisure travellers but only Monday to Friday from business travellers. This is particularly true for budget-friendly hotels, which are often overlooked or forgotten by business travellers.
Hotels may offer special rates for Sunday stays. This can give you extra time to explore the destination without all the crowds. You might even be able to take advantage of activities or events that continue into Sunday.
Sunday nights don’t get the respect they deserve. Sunday nights are a great way to save on accommodation.
6. Stay in the middle of the week
Don’t worry if staying Sunday night is not for you. (Hello, dreaded Monday mornings) Staying mid-week can save you money on your accommodation. This is particularly true in tourist destinations. Mon-Thurs nights are often cheaper because there is less demand at hotels during the week.
Avoiding weekends will not only help you find cheaper prices but also give you a better chance to get a room at the location you prefer. You’ll also avoid the crowds at popular locations on weekends.
Staying mid-week allows you to enjoy activities and events that are available only during the week. Weekends are not for these. You can also enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at restaurants and attractions without the need to wait in line or fight for reservations.
If you are flexible in your travel plans, consider booking a mid-week stay for a more enjoyable and affordable experience. You’ll thank yourself – as well as your wallet!
7. Travel during shoulder season or off-season
You can save money by travelling during shoulder season while still enjoying good weather and avoiding crowds. The shoulder season is the time between peak and off-season when prices are lower because of less demand.
You can save money by travelling during the shoulder seasons. You’ll also have an easier time exploring without the crowds. Iceland was visited in November. This is considered the shoulder season just before winter. We could still see the Northern Lights (we did not, but Mother Nature would have allowed it).
Ask travel agents or do some research online to find out your destination’s shoulder season. It is important to pack for different weather conditions.
It’s important to understand why the off-season is considered an off-season when you are considering traveling. In July, the rainy season, we were able to get great deals on flights and accommodation to Panama. We had thunderstorms at night but sunny days during the day, which was perfect for enjoying the crystal-clear waters.
Travelling during shoulder season is a great way to save money and have a fun experience. Why not try it and see what you can save?
8. Rent a home with a friend and split the cost
Staying in an apartment, suite or hotel room can save you money if you are travelling with friends or family. They are not only cheaper than hotels but also have more space, amenities and living spaces. Short-term apartment rentals can be affordable and give you a more “homey” travel experience.
You can save more money by choosing an apartment, suite, or house large enough to accommodate everyone. A kitchen allows you to cook at home instead of dining out every day.
While traveling with my parents, we stayed in houses with three bedrooms, which allowed us to save a lot of money per night compared to booking separate hotel rooms. We also enjoyed having a common room where we could relax after a day of sightseeing.
Check out sites like VRBO to find options that meet your needs and budget. When comparing prices, remember to include any cleaning or tax fees. Sharing an apartment with a group can save you money on accommodation.
9. Look for discounts or family deals
Finding affordable accommodation when travelling with your children can be difficult. Did you know many hotels offer family discounts? When booking, it’s worth asking for these discounts.
Some hotels offer complimentary meals to children or an upgrade upon check-in. These benefits can help you save money and enjoy your stay.
Start your search online for family deals. Search for hotels with special offers or packages that are geared towards families. Call the hotel and ask about any promotions or discounts they are running. Asking was all it took to receive a free crib on a family vacation!
It never hurts to inquire! They can only say no. You might even score a good deal on your family’s next vacation.
10. Think about a Hostel
Don’t miss this. I know that many people view hostels as something 20-something-year-olds do when they backpack through Europe. Some hostels offer private or family rooms at a very low price. Now, there are even “luxury hostels”. Do not believe the stereotypes.
Hostels are more common in countries such as the United Kingdom and France. They offer a wide network and a higher level of quality. We stayed at one in Berlin, and it was a great way to meet other travellers.
Hostels offer many advantages beyond saving money. Many are located near public transportation and tourist attractions, which makes it easy to explore a new area. Most hostels also offer cheap or free services like Wi-Fi, kitchens, laundry facilities, and even local tours. Most hostels also provide a safe place to store your luggage while you are exploring.
Hostels offer many benefits that far outweigh any negatives. So, keep an open-minded mind. Hostels are a good option for cheap hotels! If you are worried, check recent reviews or if the hotel is part of a larger network.
11. Stay away from the centre of the city
Hotels and apartments located near the major attractions are often cheaper. It is much more expensive to stay in Times Square than a few blocks from it.
Be sure to consider the additional costs of staying farther out. The cost of parking and transportation can quickly add up, along with the time you spend commuting. Before booking, research the public transportation system in your area. On their websites, Booking.com profiles or Google results, many hotels will indicate that they are located near public transportation stops.
You can save money by staying in a nearby city and enjoying unique experiences. You will see more local culture and scenery than you would if you were in a touristy area. You will definitely find cheaper (and more authentic) food options.
By staying in a less popular area, you can save money and explore your destination more. Bonus: You may get a great view of the city, like we had in Ushuaia.
12. Take advantage of accommodation rewards programs
You can save money by using accommodation rewards programs if you are a frequent traveller. Many booking sites and hotels offer rewards or membership programs which allow you to earn points for every stay.
Find the best program for you. You should also consider your travel habits and priorities. Do you prefer free accommodations, additional perks or luxury at a good price? If you choose a rewards program, charge all hotel expenses to a card that is tied to it to maximize your earnings. Don’t worry about having to pay for another credit card if you don’t wish to. Many rewards programs allow you to sign up without any cost.
Some programs have tiered memberships based on the frequency of your stay. These membership levels may offer even more benefits, such as upgrades for free or extended check-out hours.
This tip can be combined with a stay on a weekday or a Sunday to save money.
Overall, accommodation rewards programs are a great way to save on travel costs. Next time you book, check to see if the hotel offers a reward program. It could be well worth it!
13. Take advantage of Credit Card Benefits
The benefits of credit cards are often overlooked. Spending money earns you more than miles! You might be surprised by the benefits and program of your credit card.
You can book with confidence, knowing that you are covered in the event of a cancellation. Some credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees. Some credit cards have partnered with hotels to offer cheaper nights by using reward points. These options will save you money not only in terms of accommodation but also on all your travel expenses.
14. Follow us on social media
You can save money by following your favourite travel sites on social media. Yep! Many sites use Facebook and Twitter to release special offers and discounts. You’ll get the latest information on any offers by liking or following these pages.
This can save you money and make your accommodation booking much easier. You don’t have to spend hours online searching for the best offers. Just scroll through your social media, and you will find some great deals.
This is especially useful if you are a spontaneous or last-minute traveller. Hotels offer specials to fill rooms quickly. Deals at the last minute are usually a bargain! Here’s a good reason to join social media! You never know when someone might post an offer that is too good to miss.
15. Sign up for e-newsletter deals
Email newsletters aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Sign up for my newsletter and get a free budget planner or a country guide. It might be worth creating a new email account if you are like me and subscribe to all the emails.
All hotels, booking sites, and VRBO have e-newsletters that feature new destinations and special deals. If I’m looking for accommodation, I quickly check my email to see whether I have any coupon codes or deals (stay two nights and get one free).
You can take advantage of the savings by providing your email address. Then, you can expect to receive regular updates about the latest discounts, promotions, and deals directly in your email. You will also be able to learn about the sales cycle for a particular destination. You might plan your trip accordingly if you see that the hotels are cheaper in Vegas during a certain time of year.
Sign up for the e-newsletters of your favourite travel websites next time you plan a trip. You may find a good deal on accommodation and save money!
16. Search incognito and delete your cookies
You may have read my tips on finding cheap flights and know that I am a fan of using incognito mode to search for flights. Websites track your searches when you look for hotels online or for other accommodations. They use this information to adjust the prices. The websites know that the hotels will be in high demand at the time of the increase and, therefore, raise the price.
If you delete your cookies and history of searches before searching again, this website will not have any data to use in calculating its prices.
If you want to delete cookies and your search history, select “clear browsing history” in your browser’s settings. You can also choose a private or incognito browsing mode to prevent your searches from being tracked.
This simple step could save you money on your accommodation (and flight) costs during your trip. Remember to check your browsing history before looking for online deals!
Last thoughts on how to save money on accommodations while travelling
The second most expensive item in a travel budget is usually accommodation. If you are proactive in your research and flexible about the time you travel, you can get a good deal on accommodation.
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