Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort or experience. While hostels options are popular among budget travellers, there are plenty of other affordable accommodation choices that offer great value for money. Here’s a comprehensive guide to finding cheap accommodation while traveling:
1. Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals are an excellent alternative to traditional hotels, offering more space, privacy, and often better rates, especially for longer stays or group travel.
- Airbnb: One of the most popular platforms, Airbnb offers a wide range of options from private rooms to entire homes. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a home-like experience with the added benefit of local tips from hosts.
- Vrbo: Similar to Airbnb, Vrbo specializes in vacation rentals, offering entire homes and apartments, which are perfect for families or groups.
- Booking.com: While known for hotels, Booking.com also lists vacation rentals, apartments, and guesthouses, providing a variety of options for different budgets.
2. Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts
Guesthouses and B&Bs offer a cozy, homey atmosphere often at a fraction of the cost of hotels. They are particularly common in Europe and Asia.
- Guesthouses: These are small, family-run establishments that provide a more personal touch. They often include breakfast and can be found in both urban and rural settings.
- Bed & Breakfasts: B&Bs offer a comfortable stay with the added benefit of a home-cooked breakfast. They are ideal for travelers looking for a more intimate and local experience.
3. Homestays
Homestays allow you to stay with a local family, providing a unique cultural experience and often very affordable rates.
- Homestay.com: This platform connects travelers with hosts offering private rooms in their homes. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle.
- Workaway: While primarily a platform for work exchanges, many hosts offer homestay options where you can stay for free in exchange for a few hours of work per day.
4. Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a community-based platform where locals offer free accommodation to travelers. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and experience a destination from a local’s perspective.
- Couchsurfing.com: Create a profile, search for hosts in your destination, and send a request. While the accommodation is free, it’s customary to show appreciation by cooking a meal or bringing a small gift for your host.
5. Last-Minute Booking Apps
If you’re flexible with your plans, last-minute booking apps can offer significant discounts on hotel rooms.
- HotelTonight: This app specializes in last-minute hotel deals, offering steep discounts on unsold rooms. It’s perfect for spontaneous travelers looking for a bargain.
- LastMinute.com: Another great resource for finding last-minute hotel deals, often with additional perks like free breakfast or room upgrades.
6. Booking Directly with Hotels
Sometimes, booking directly with the hotel can yield better rates than third-party booking sites. Hotels often offer exclusive deals and discounts to direct bookers.
- Call the Hotel: Contact the hotel directly and ask if they can offer a better rate than what’s listed online. Mention any loyalty programs or memberships you have, as these can sometimes lead to additional discounts.
- Hotel Websites: Many hotels offer special rates and packages on their own websites that aren’t available on booking platforms.
7. Use Price Comparison Websites
Price comparison websites aggregate listings from multiple booking platforms, allowing you to compare prices and find the best deals.
- Trivago: This site compares prices from various booking platforms, helping you find the best rate for your stay.
- Kayak: Known for flight searches, Kayak also offers hotel price comparisons, making it easy to find the best deals.
8. Off-Peak Travel
Traveling during off-peak seasons can result in lower accommodation costs. Hotels and vacation rentals often reduce their rates during these times to attract more guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Travel just before or after the peak season to enjoy lower rates and fewer crowds.
- Midweek Stays: Hotel rates are often lower during the week compared to weekends, especially in business travel destinations.
9. Be Aware of Commission Fees
Many booking platforms charge commission fees, which can increase the overall cost of your stay. To avoid these fees, consider booking directly with the accommodationprovider whenever possible. This not only helps you save money but also supports the hotel or rental owner directly.
Wrapping up
Finding cheap accommodation while traveling doesn’t have to be a challenge. By exploring alternatives to hostels, such as vacation rentals, guesthouses, homestays, and last-minute booking apps, you can enjoy comfortable and affordable stays. Remember to compare prices, book directly when possible and try to maximise your savings. Happy travels!