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Save on Accommodation

Are you looking to save money on travel? And more specifically, saving on accommodation? You are in the right place.

Because travelling doesn’t have to be expensive, I will give you tips in this article so you don’t have to pay more for accommodation.

Accommodation, along with transportation, is one of the main expenses when travelling. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to minimise this cost. In this post, I will guide you through some practical tips and tricks to help you save money on accommodation for your travels.

As I mentioned in another post, I strongly advise against searching for accommodation upon arrival at your destination. Doing so can be time-consuming, and you may end up paying more than necessary or settling for less-than-ideal accommodations.

If you’re like me, with limited time for travel and want to save money without compromising quality, you’ve come to the right place.

I avoid using modes of accommodation like couch-surfing, where one can stay on someone’s couch for free. It’s great that it is free, but I am particular about hygiene and have seen couches where I wouldn’t sleep even if I were paid to do so.

I’m not trying to offend anyone. I just want to clarify that my recommendations focus on comfortable and affordable travel.

Index

These are my tips to save on accommodation:

Search Tips

✳️ Choose what type of accommodation best suits your needs/preferences. It’ll help you determine where to look for it, since there are usually specialised websites for each type of accommodation.

If you require more clarification on your options, refer to my post on Types of Accommodation. It also includes recommendations for search pages.

Keep an open mind, and do not eliminate any options until you’ve compared prices.

The reason is that not all cities are the same. Sometimes, renting a flat can be more cost-effective than booking a hotel, even if you are not travelling with a group. In addition, you’ll be able to save money on food by shopping at a local supermarket and having breakfast at home.

Likewise, hostels are often a budget-friendly option if you’re travelling solo or with a group. However, if you’re looking for a room with a private bathroom, the price of a double or single room may be similar or even higher than that of a hotel.

✳️ Always search and compare before hiring anything. Several search websites are available, and the choice of which one to use depends on the type of accommodation you’re looking for. You may be familiar with well-known websites such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb. Still, others, such as Trivago or Skyscanner Hotels, can help you find the lowest price for specific accommodation by showing you where to look.
✳️ Many airlines offer discounts if you book a hotel through their website. It’s not always cheaper, but it’s worth checking out.
✳️ Many hotels also have loyalty programs and offer discounts to their members. It’s free to subscribe, and you can get exciting promotions.

Tips to Keep in Mind Before Booking

✳️ Once you have selected the appropriate accommodation and price, review all additional expenses before hiring. Many web pages might not show all the taxes and charges that must be paid at the destination, such as the “tourist tax.” These taxes can increase the total cost of your stay, so it’s always advisable to be aware of them beforehand.
✳️ Pay attention to the location. The accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on the area.

Being well-located is crucial because travelling will save you time and money. However, especially in large cities with distinct central neighbourhoods, choosing a less popular area, even if well located, can significantly reduce costs.

✳️ If you find a hotel you like, it’s worth checking directly with the hotel for better prices and offers.

Tips for Booking

✳️ Book in advance. Not only can you save money, but you can also easily find a broader range of accommodations that match your preferences and budget.

✳️ If possible, book with free cancellation and keep searching for better options. You may find something better later.

I hope you liked the article and found it helpful.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me by leaving a comment below or using the contact form. I will be happy to help. 😊

Now that you know how to save on transportation and accommodation (this post), you can return to the Travel Cheap page or continue with the following travel savings category: Save on Transfers.

Additional Information

You can also check my itineraries in Itineraries. Here, you’ll find them classified in City Guides and Country Guides.

Alternatively, in the section Destinations, they are classified based on the type of trip:

Amazing Experiences. It covers the most extensive and complete trips.
Beach and Sea. For those who prefer quieter activities by the sea.
City Breaks. Short trips with a single destination.

Remember to check Cook up Your Trip. There, you will find everything you need to organise your trip from start to finish.

Ready to Book your Trip?

To help you organise your adventure, I’ve gathered the best tools I use and recommend for booking flights, hotels, local transport and more. These links support this site at no extra cost to you.

🧳 Book Your Trip Here

✈️ Flights: Compare the best flight prices with Kayak.
🛏️ Accommodation: Find hotels and unique stays at great prices worldwide with Booking.com.
🚐 Transfers: Pre-book your airport or city transfers to avoid stress on arrival with Welcome Pickups.
🚗 Car Rentals: Explore destinations at your own pace by using Discover Cars or Auto Europe to compare reliable car rental providers.
💺Transport (Bus and Train Tickets): Compare schedules and easily book intercity bus and train travel with Omio.
📷 Tours & Activities: Book fun experiences, guided tours, and skip-the-line tickets in advance with GetYourGuide or Viator.
🌐 Internet Connection: Stay connected abroad with eSIMS from Airalo.
🔐 For safe and reliable internet access wherever you roam, I always recommend using a VPN—NordVPN is my go-to.
🛡️ Don’t forget travel insurance — a small step that saves big headaches! I use Just Travel Cover for comprehensive protection, including coverage for pre-existing conditions. 🌍 Not based in the UK? VisitorsCoverage has you covered—easy, affordable, ready to go!