How to Save on Accommodation: Expert Tips
Travelling can be an incredible experience, but accommodation costs often take a big bite out of our budgets.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing comfort or safety.
By using a mix of smart booking strategies, alternative lodging options, and loyalty programmes, we can significantly reduce our accommodation expenses.
We’ve explored various methods to help travellers keep more money in their pockets for experiences and activities.
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From booking in advance to considering hostels and camping, there’s something for every type of traveller.
We’ll share tips on how to find the best deals, take advantage of off-peak pricing, and make the most of reward points.
Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, these money-saving techniques can help stretch your travel budget further.
Let’s dive into some practical ways to cut costs on accommodation without compromising the quality of your trip.
We loved eating meals and relaxing on our patio
Understanding Accommodation Options
Choosing the right lodging can significantly impact your travel budget and experience.
We’ll explore various accommodation types, budget-friendly options, and emerging alternatives to help you save money whilst travelling.
Exploring Different Types of Lodging
Hotels offer comfort and convenience but often come with a hefty price tag.
Motels provide a more affordable alternative, typically located near major roads.
Bed and breakfasts blend homely charm with local hospitality, often at mid-range prices.
Guesthouses and inns offer a cosy atmosphere, sometimes with shared facilities to reduce costs.
View from our bedroom window, loved this place
For longer stays, serviced apartments provide home-like amenities and potential savings on meals.
Camping and caravan parks are excellent budget options for nature lovers.
Youth hostels cater to backpackers and budget travellers, offering dormitory-style rooms and communal spaces.
Hostels have evolved beyond basic dorm rooms.
Many now offer private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and social spaces.
Look for hostels with kitchen facilities to save on meals.
Making the Most of Budget Hotels
Some budget hotels provide similar amenities at competitive rates.
To maximise savings:
- Book directly with the property
- Join loyalty programmes if they have one
- Consider staying in less central locations
- Look for free breakfast or kitchen access
- Take advantage of off-season rates
Read reviews carefully to ensure cleanliness and safety standards meet your expectations.
Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value.
View front our balcony towards Paseo del Prado
The Rise of Short-Term Rental Platforms
Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have revolutionised the accommodation landscape.
These services connect travellers with local hosts offering spare rooms or entire properties. Benefits include:
- More space and privacy than traditional hotels
- Access to kitchen facilities
- Opportunity to stay in residential areas
- Potential for significant savings, especially for groups or families
When booking, consider:
- Location and transport links
- Additional fees (cleaning, service charges)
- House rules and check-in procedures
- Reviews from previous guests
For longer stays, negotiate with hosts for discounted rates.
Be mindful of local regulations regarding short-term rentals in your chosen destination.
We used both Airbnb and Vrbo during our recent trip through Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro.
By searching on both platforms, we were able to find accommodations that suited our needs perfectly.
One of our top priorities when booking is ensuring the place has both a kitchen and a washing machine, essential for us since we travel with just 7kg of carry-on luggage each.
Jaz Beach, Montenegro
House Sitting
Although we haven’t done this yet we have looked into it and plan to use this in the future.
However we have met people who have house sit before.
And using TrustedHousesitters is a brilliant way to save on accommodation while traveling and experience living like a local.
The concept is simple: in exchange for taking care of pets and homes, you get free stays in incredible destinations worldwide.
Whether it’s a cozy cottage in the countryside or a luxury apartment in the heart of a city, house sitting opens up unique opportunities for budget-conscious travellers.
The beautiful Ao Phra Nang Beach. This spot is just perfect, before it became over crowded
For animal lovers, it’s a dream come true.
You get to care for adorable pets while exploring new places, adding a more personal and rewarding element to your travels.
The platform is easy to use, with verified profiles, reviews, and 24/7 support, ensuring a secure and reliable experience for both homeowners and sitters.
House sitting not only saves you money on accommodation but also offers a deeper connection to the communities you visit.
Instead of being a tourist, you become part of the neighbourhood, shopping at local markets, meeting friendly neighbours, and enjoying the comforts of a home away from home.
It’s a win-win, combining affordability, adventure, and companionship!
Accommodation pool, with water slide. Kids loved there time here in Cancun
Strategic Booking for Savings
Maximising savings on accommodation requires a strategic approach to booking.
We’ll explore key techniques to secure the best deals and stretch your travel budget further.
Location, Locastion, Location
For us, choosing accommodation always comes down to a couple of key factors, one being: location, location, location.
It can honestly make or break the flow of a family trip.
We don’t just look at the nightly rate when setting our travel budget, we also factor in the cost of transport to the places we want to explore.
Whether it’s public transport, taxis, or hiring a car, those extra costs can add up fast if you’re staying too far from the action.
That’s why we always aim to stay close to the places we plan to visit, whether it’s beaches, museums, parks, or day trips.
Being centrally located means we spend less time in transit and more time making memories.
It’s also so much easier with kids when you can pop back for a break, a snack, or a quick nap.
So when we plan our travels, we start by mapping out the key experiences we want to have, then we search for accommodation that puts us right in the heart of it all.
It’s one of the best ways we’ve found to reduce stress and make our travels smoother, especially with little ones in tow.
The Benefits of Planning and Booking in Advance
– Booking early often leads to significant savings.
– Many hotels offer discounts for reservations made weeks or months ahead.
– We’ve found that rates can be up to 20% lower when booked 30-60 days in advance.
– Early booking also provides a wider selection of rooms and amenities.
– This allows us to choose options that best fit our needs and budget.
– Some hotels offer a ‘best price guarantee’ for advance bookings.
– This means if we find a lower rate later, they’ll match or beat it.
Muri Hillside Guesthouse accommodation, perfect place to stay
Harnessing Price Comparison Websites
Price comparison sites like Booking.com and Agoda are invaluable tools for finding the best deals.
These platforms aggregate prices from multiple sources, saving us time and effort.
We recommend checking several comparison sites, as prices can vary.
Some offer exclusive discounts or package deals that include flights and car hire.
Many of these sites have price alert features.
We can set up notifications for specific dates and locations, ensuring we don’t miss out on price drops.
Our tent when we camp in Dierhagen on the Baltic Sea
Flexibility with travel dates can lead to substantial savings.
Hotel rates often fluctuate based on demand, with weekends and holidays typically being more expensive.
Mid-week stays are often cheaper, especially for city breaks.
We’ve found savings of up to 30% by shifting our travel dates by just a day or two.
Travelling during off-peak seasons can also yield significant discounts.
Popular destinations often have shoulder seasons where weather is still favourable, but prices are lower.
Experimenting with different check-in and check-out days can reveal hidden savings.
Sometimes, a Sunday to Monday stay might be cheaper than a Friday to Saturday one.
Leveraging Seasonal and Membership Discounts
Smart travellers can save significantly on accommodation by timing their trips wisely and taking advantage of loyalty programmes.
These strategies allow us to enjoy quality stays at reduced rates.
View from our Fijian hotel through the palm trees and out at the water
Capitalising on Off-Season and Shoulder Season Travel
Off-season and shoulder season travel offer excellent opportunities to save money on accommodation.
During these periods, hotels often lower their prices to attract guests.
We can find substantial discounts, sometimes up to 20-30% off peak rates.
Shoulder seasons, the periods between peak and off-peak, are particularly attractive.
We still enjoy decent weather but avoid the crowds and high costs of peak times.
To maximise savings, we should:
- Research destination-specific off-seasons
- Be flexible with travel dates
- Look for special off-season packages
- Consider less popular but equally charming locations
Utilising Loyalty and Rewards Programmes
Loyalty and rewards programmes are powerful tools for reducing accommodation costs.
Many hotel chains and booking platforms offer these schemes, allowing us to earn points or receive instant discounts.
Key benefits include:
- Tiered discounts for longer stays
- Free nights after accumulating points
- Exclusive member-only rates
- Room upgrades and additional perks
We can maximise these benefits by:
- Joining programmes (such as Accor Lifestyle and IHG One Reward) for hotels we frequently visit
- Using branded credit cards for additional points
- Keeping an eye out for bonus point promotions
- Considering AA memberships for access to special accommodation offers
By combining seasonal timing with loyalty programmes, we can significantly reduce our accommodation expenses whilst enjoying quality stays.
See for yourself, click below to discover more
Our neighbour Miguel, sadly Irene was at work. Lukas and Sawyer’s Cuban Grandparents
Enhancing Your Stay with Complimentary Benefits
Savvy travellers know that complimentary benefits can significantly enhance a hotel stay whilst keeping costs down.
Let’s explore how to make the most of these perks.
Securing Freebies from Free Breakfast to Parking
Many hotels offer free breakfast, which can save a tidy sum over the course of a stay.
We’ve found that booking directly with hotels often unlocks exclusive perks like complimentary parking, upgrades and WiFi.
Some loyalty programmes, like Accor Lifestyle, provide a free night’s stay each year at participating properties.
This can be a brilliant way to extend a holiday without extra cost.
Family photo with Sole and Freddy our Airb&b hosts
The Advantages of In-House Amenities
In-house amenities can greatly enhance our stay without inflating the bill.
Many hotels boast fitness centres, pools, and business facilities that we can use at no extra charge.
Some properties offer complimentary shuttle services to nearby attractions or airports, saving on transport costs.
We’ve also noticed an increase in hotels providing free bike rentals, perfect for exploring the local area.
Kitchenettes in rooms can be a bonus for budget-conscious travellers, allowing us to prepare simple meals and reduce dining out expenses.
It’s worth checking what’s included in the room rate before booking to maximise value.
Side Street in Viejo Habana, building with rich, bright colours. One of the best things to do in Havana is just explore
Final Thoughts
Finding affordable accommodation doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or convenience.
With a little research and flexibility, you can save big while still having an incredible experience.
Whether it’s booking early, choosing off-peak travel dates, or staying in alternative accommodations like hostels, home rentals, or house-sitting, there are countless ways to stretch your budget.
We’ve discovered that small changes, like using loyalty programs or being open to less touristy areas, can make a huge difference.
Most importantly, every dollar saved on accommodation is one you can spend on creating unforgettable memories; whether it’s exploring new places, indulging in local cuisine, or treating yourself to a special experience.
Travel smart, plan ahead, and remember: saving on where you sleep doesn’t mean compromising on adventure!
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Meet the family
We are a family of 4 living in New Zealand. I’m a teacher (great profession for traveling) and my wife Connie works in project management. We are also proud parents of two travel-loving boys.
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Scott - 4 Degrees of Destination
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Hi, I've been fortunate enough to have travelled for over 25 years. My parents gave me the travel bug when I was 10 years old by taking my sister and I to the USA and Mexico for two months. I've travelled by myself, with mates, with my wife and now as a family of four. My goal is to inspire our families to get out and see the world.