Finding affordable accommodations for travel can greatly help you save money on your trips. Saving money is nice, but I don’t just want to find cheap accommodations, I also like finding nicer spots to stay at. Anyone can find a cheap dive of a hotel, but I’m at an age where I no longer want to stay in dives. Here are some tips I use that can help you find cheap & nice accommodations:
- Use price comparison websites: Websites like Kayak, Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Agoda allow you to compare prices from various hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. These platforms often offer discounted rates and special deals. My preference in Kayak, but many times I find myself validating the prices I found against other sites. I also always go directly to the hotel site to confirm I’m getting the best deal.
- Use the filters to narrow down price range and quality of the stay this can help speed up your search.
- Note – I’ve also been liking a newer site called SuperTravel. I don’t know if it is because they are newer and trying to compete for business, but they have been beating all the other sites I use recently.
- Consider alternative accommodations: Look beyond traditional hotels and explore alternative options such as hostels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rentals. Websites like Airbnb and Hostelworld can help you find these options at affordable prices. You might be thinking, “Hey I thought he said nicer hotel, why is he mentioning hostels!?” That is a great question. I’ve found hostels can sometimes be nice! You can find some with private rooms and very clean. I’d suggest you include them in your search criteria to see what comes up.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: Prices for accommodations can vary significantly depending on the time of year and day of the week. If your travel dates are flexible, consider searching for accommodations during off-peak seasons or on weekdays when prices tend to be lower.
- Check for promotional offers and discounts: Many hotels and booking websites run promotions or offer discounts for specific periods or through loyalty programs. Keep an eye out for such offers and take advantage of them to save money.
- One item I always look for is free breakfast. This is a filter setting on many of the booking sites. If you can find a place that offers free breakfast this could save you $10-$20/person.
- Read reviews and ratings: Before booking any accommodation, read reviews and ratings from previous guests. This will help you gauge the quality and value for money of the place you’re considering.
- Contact the accommodation directly: Sometimes, contacting the accommodation directly can lead to better rates, especially if you’re booking for an extended period or during a less busy time. It’s worth reaching out and negotiating the price or asking if they have any ongoing discounts.
- Consider staying in the outskirts or neighboring areas: Accommodations located in the city center or popular tourist areas tend to be more expensive. Look for options in the outskirts or nearby neighborhoods, as they may offer lower rates while still being accessible to the main attractions. Utilizing the map feature that some sites offers can be helpful too. If you want to stay in a specific area, or just see how prices compare this feature is very useful.
- Use local booking platforms: In some countries or regions, local booking platforms might have better deals or a wider range of options. Do some research to find popular local booking websites or apps that cater to your destination.
- Join travel communities and forums: Participating in travel communities and forums, such as Reddit’s r/travel or Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree, can provide valuable insights from fellow travelers who may have discovered affordable accommodations or special deals.
- Consider house sitting or couchsurfing: If you’re open to more unconventional options, house sitting or couchsurfing can provide free accommodations. Websites like TrustedHousesitters and Couchsurfing connect travelers with hosts willing to offer their homes for a short period.
Lastly remember that money isn’t the only or most important criteria when booking stays. Prioritizing safety and comfort when choosing accommodations should also be considered. It’s important to find a balance between affordability and the quality of your stay, but with the tips listed above I’ve always been able to get both!
