As thrilling as travelling can be, it often comes with hefty costs. Between flights, food, souvenirs, and experiences, accommodation often adds a significant chunk to your travel expenses. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. A little research, strategic planning, and a handful of great websites can help you find unbeatable accommodation deals for your next journey. Here’s how you can save money on your travels with super affordable accommodation options.
Finding the Best Deals: Where to Look
Beyond the traditional hotel booking sites, there are a variety of places you can look for excellent accommodation deals.
- Comparison Sites: Websites such as HotelsCombined, Trivago, and Kayak compare hotel rates from various online travel agencies and the hotels’ own websites. Such sites can save a lot of time and offer a vast array of options at varying prices.
- Rental Sites: Websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and HomeAway can often provide significantly better value than hotels, particularly for longer stays or larger groups. They offer the opportunity to live like a local, with all the amenities and comforts of home at a fraction of the hotel cost.
- Discount Sites: Websites like Groupon, Travelzoo, and Living Social offer heavy discounts on travel packages that often include accommodations.
Strategies for Saving Money on Accommodation
Once you know where to look, there are additional strategies you can use to save money on accommodation, offering unbeatable deals:
- Travel in the Off-Season: Travelling in the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall) can offer better deals than at peak times. The off-season is often less crowded, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
- Retain Flexibility: If your travel dates are flexible, utilize the date ranges feature on many comparison and rental site search engines to find the best deal within your available time frame.
- Sign Up For Alerts: Many travel booking sites offer alerts for price drops on selected accommodations or travel dates.
- Loyalty Programs: Join hotel and booking site loyalty programs. Membership can reward you with special deals, discounts, and upgrades.
Alternative Accommodation Options
If hotels or holiday rentals aren’t suitable, there are other affordable accommodation options to consider:
- Hostels: While hostels are stereotypically considered a younger person’s domain, many cater to all ages and families. Shared rooms, communal kitchens and social atmospheres make hostels a cost-effective option.
- House Sitting: House sitting websites connect people needing someone to look after their home (and pets) with those looking for free accommodations. House sitting could be the perfect, cost-effective solution for long-term travel.
- Camping: If you’re travelling in a region with good weather, camping can offer an economic accommodation solution. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to interact with nature.
While the costs of travelling can seem intimidating, affordable accommodation is within reach. By utilizing a range of tools and websites, staying flexible, and considering alternative lodgings, you can find unbeatable accommodation deals that will save you money and make your travel experiences even more memorable.
Q: When is the best time to book accommodations for the best deals?
A: Typically, booking in advance will give you the best chance for deals. However, consider shoulder seasons for travel, as accommodations often reduce prices during these times.
Q: Are hostels safe?
A: Just like hotels and other accommodations, the safety of hostels varies. Always read reviews and consider the location before booking.
Q: Are rental properties cheaper than hotels?
A: This can depend on various factors including location, the time of year, the length of stay, and the size of your group. In many cases, rental properties can provide excellent value, particularly for longer stays or larger groups.
