Are you planning to travel on a budget? Finding cheap accommodation can be a great way to save money while exploring new places. However, when things are cheap, they might be bad. What you’re really looking for is value for your money. A hotel may be cheaper, but it might take a 20-minute subway ride just to get to the city – is that worth it? You’re the only one who can decide. Either way, I’ve compiled my top tips to save money on accommodation for travel.
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1. Book in Advance
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation while traveling, one of the best things you can do is book in advance. This means planning your trip ahead of time and securing your lodging before you arrive at your destination. (This is also a great way to avoid travel stress!)
Booking early can help you get lower prices on hotels and hostels, as well as give you more options to choose from. Many hotels and hostels offer early bird discounts or special rates for booking in advance. Plus, by booking ahead, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your lodging is taken care of, and won’t have to worry about finding a place to stay when you arrive.
To book in advance, start by researching the accommodations available in the area you plan to visit. I tend to start with a hotel booking site to get an idea of the hotels in the area. Check out websites like Booking.com or Hostelworld to compare prices and read reviews from other travelers. Once you’ve found a place that fits your budget and needs, make sure to book it as soon as possible to secure the best rate. Be sure to compare the third-party site to booking directly.
By booking in advance, you can save money and enjoy a stress-free trip knowing that your accommodation is taken care of.
Pro Travel Tip: If you book a third party, be sure to call the accommodation to make sure they received the reservation. This can help prevent any miscommunications between the third party and the hotel.
2. Book rooms that offer free cancellation
Okay, no one wants to think about their trip getting canceled, but it can happen for several reasons. Booking rooms that offer free cancellation (or at least up to 24 hours before your stay) can give you peace of mind.
Honestly, it’s one of my top reasons for using Booking.com. They allow you to book now, pay later option. This gives you the option to lock in the rate! If you’re hesitant about booking third party, you can call the hotel and see if they’ll honor the cost and cancellation policy. (If you do book third party it’s still a good idea to call the hotel to ensure they got the reservation.)
No matter who you book through, make sure you know the cancellation policy as well as any deadlines or restrictions. While this may not save you money directly, if something happens and you’re no longer able to go on your trip, you’ll get all your money back. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Travel Tip: Book your accommodation with a credit card so you can earn airline miles at the same time!
3. Stay more than 1 night!
Another way to find cheap accommodation while traveling is to stay more than one night in the same place. Many hotels and hostels offer discounts for longer stays, such as “stay 4 nights, pay for 3” deals. These hotel deals are a great way to save money.
Staying in the same place for multiple nights can also save you money on transportation costs. By staying in one place you don’t have to pay for a taxi, train, bus, etc. to get to a new place. Bonus: you don’t have to move luggage around.
It’s important to note that these types of deals are often available during the off-season or slower times of the year. However, if you’re flexible with your travel dates (see the next tip!), you can take advantage of these discounts and save even more money on your trip.
Feel free to contact them directly to ask about any special deals they may have available. Many hotels may have a deal for a 7-night stay. You can stay longer in one destination and use the money saved to take day trips around the area (like we did in Tokyo).
4. Be flexible with travel dates
Being flexible with your travel dates is one of the best ways to find cheap accommodation while traveling. Prices for hotels and hostels can vary greatly depending on the time of year and day of the week. Traveling in the shoulder or off-season is a great way to save money on everything. If you have some flexibility in your travel plans, try adjusting your dates to see if you can find a better deal.
Another option is to use websites that allow you to compare prices across multiple dates. This way, you can see which days offer the best rates and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Keep in mind that being flexible with your travel dates may also mean being flexible with your destination. If you’re open to exploring different locations, you may be able to find great deals on accommodation in unexpected places. Get off the beaten path and explore more!
5. Stay over Sunday
Staying over on a Sunday night can be a great way to find cheap accommodation while traveling. Many hotels receive Friday and Saturday night bookings from leisure travelers and Monday to Friday bookings from their business travelers, so there can be a void on Sunday nights. This is especially true for budget hotels that are often overlooked by business travelers.
This means that hotels may offer discounted rates to entice guests to stay over on Sunday. An added benefit: it can also give you more time to explore your destination without the crowds. You may even be able to take advantage of weekend events or activities that carry over into Sunday.
Sunday nights don’t get the good reputation they should, in my opinion. They’re a great night to stay to save money on accommodation.
6. Stay mid-week
If staying Sunday night doesn’t speak to you (hello dreaded Monday mornings), don’t worry. You can still save money on accommodation by staying mid-week. This is especially true for tourist destinations. There is less demand for hotels mid-week so the price is often significantly lower for Mon-Thur nights.
By avoiding weekends, you’ll not only find lower prices, but you’ll also have a better chance of finding available rooms at your preferred location. Plus, you’ll avoid the crowds that usually flock to popular destinations on weekends.
Another advantage of staying mid-week is the opportunity to take advantage of weekday activities and events that aren’t available on weekends. You can also enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere in restaurants and attractions without having to worry about waiting in lines or fighting for reservations.
So if you’re flexible with your travel plans, consider staying mid-week for a more affordable and enjoyable experience. Your wallet – and your stress levels – will thank you!
7. Travel in the shoulder season (or off-season)
Traveling during the shoulder season can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying favorable weather and avoiding large crowds. The shoulder season refers to the period between the peak and off-season when prices tend to be lower due to less demand.
By traveling in the shoulder season, you can also save money on flights and car rentals. Plus, you’ll have an easier time sightseeing without having to battle large crowds of tourists. We visited Iceland in November, considered a shoulder season before winter, but still could see the Northern lights (we didn’t, but we could have if Mother Nature allowed us).
To find out when the shoulder season is for your desired destination, do some research online or ask travel agents for advice. It’s important to note that weather conditions may vary depending on the location, so make sure to pack accordingly.
If you’re looking into traveling off-season it’s important to know why it’s considered off-season. We were able to get cheap accommodation and flights to Panama in July, which is considered the rainy season. We did have thunderstorms overnight, but during the day we had sunny days, perfect to enjoy the crystal clear waters!
Overall, traveling during the shoulder season can provide a more affordable and enjoyable experience. So why not give it a try and see how much you can save on your next trip?
8. Stay in a rental home and share the costs
If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, staying in an apartment or suite can be a great way to save money on accommodation costs. Not only are they typically cheaper than hotels, but they also offer more space and amenities like kitchens and living areas. A short-term apartment rental can offer reasonable prices while giving you a more ‘homey’ travel style.
By choosing an apartment or suite big enough for everyone to share, you can split the cost of the rental and save even more money. Plus, having a kitchen means you can cook your meals instead of eating out for every meal.
We stayed in houses with three bedrooms while traveling with my parents, which reduced our per-night rates significantly compared to booking two separate hotel rooms. It was also nice to have a common area where we could all relax together after a long day of sightseeing.
When searching for apartments or suites, make sure to check sites like VRBO for options that fit your budget and needs. Don’t forget to factor in any cleaning fees or taxes when comparing prices. Sharing one accommodation within a group is a great way to save money on accommodation.
9. Check for family deals or discounts
When traveling with your family, finding affordable accommodation can be a challenge. But did you know that many hotels offer discounted family rates? It’s always worth asking about these deals when booking your stay.
Additionally, some hotels may offer free meals for children or even an upgrade at check-in. These perks can save you money and make your stay more enjoyable.
To find family deals, start by doing research online. Look for hotels that cater to families or have special packages available. You can also call the hotel directly and inquire about any discounts or promotions they may be running. We were able to get free crib rental on one family vacation just by asking!
Remember, it never hurts to ask! The worst they can say is no. And who knows – you might just score a great deal on your next family vacation.
10. Consider a Hostel
Wait wait wait – don’t skip this one. I know that many people view hostels as something 20-something-year-olds do when they backpack through Europe. However, some have private rooms or family rooms for super cheap as well. There are even ‘luxury hostels’ available now. Don’t believe all the stereotypes!
Hostels are especially prevalent in countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Thailand where they offer extensive networks and increasing quality. We stayed in one in Berlin and had a really fun time getting to know fellow travelers!
Staying in a hostel has many benefits beyond just saving money. They are often located close to public transport and tourist sites, making it easy to explore the area. Additionally, most hostels offer free or cheap services such as Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and kitchens, and can even coordinate local tours. Almost all the hostels provide a locker so you can keep your luggage safe while you explore!
The benefits definitely outweigh the negatives with hostels – so keep an open mind. They’re a great option for a cheap hotel! Check recent reviews and if they’re part of a network if you’re worried.
11. Don’t stay in the heart of the city
Often, hotels and apartments just a short distance away from the main attractions can be significantly cheaper. Staying in Times Square is a lot more expensive than staying a few blocks away.
However, be sure to weigh up the extra costs that may come with staying further out. Transportation and parking costs can add up quickly, as well as the time spent commuting. Do your research on the area’s public transportation system before booking your stay. Many hotels that are near a public transportation stop will say so on their website/Booking.com profile/google results.
Staying in a nearby town can also save you money while offering unique experiences. You’ll get to see more of the local culture and scenery that you may not have seen if you stayed in a busy tourist area. You’ll definitely get cheaper food options (and probably more authentic too!)
Simply by staying outside of the main area, you’ll save money on accommodation and be able to explore more of your travel destination! Bonus, you may have an incredible view of the city like we did in Ushuaia, Argentina!
12. Use accommodation reward programs
If you’re a frequent traveler, using accommodation reward programs can be a great way to save money on your stays. Whether you prefer hotels or booking sites, many offer membership or rewards programs that allow you to earn points or perks for each stay.
The key is to find the program that works best for you. Consider your travel frequency and priorities – do you want free accommodation, extra perks, or luxury at good prices? Once you’ve chosen a program, make sure to charge your hotel costs to a credit card tied to the rewards program to maximize your earnings. If you don’t want another credit card, don’t worry – many rewards programs are free to join!
It’s also worth noting that some programs offer tiered memberships based on how often you stay with them. These levels can provide even more benefits, such as free upgrades or late check-out times.
Combine this tip with staying mid-week or on a Sunday and you could save a decent amount of money!
Overall, using accommodation reward programs is an easy way to save money while traveling. So next time you book a stay, make sure to check if there’s a rewards program available – it could end up being well worth it in the long run!
13. Use Credit Card Benefits
Credit card benefits are often so overlooked. It’s more than just accumulating miles by spending money! Check the program and benefits for your particular credit card – you might be pleasantly surprised.
Some credit cards provide trip insurance in case your trip is canceled (giving you peace of mind for booking!), while others don’t have foreign transaction fees. Credit cards may have partnerships with hotels for cheaper nights using reward points. All of these options can save you money on accommodation but also ALL of your travel costs.
14. Follow the accommodation on social media
Did you know that following your favorite travel search sites on social media can help you save money on accommodation? Yep! Many sites release exclusive deals and discounts directly through their Facebook and Twitter accounts. By liking and/or following these pages, you’ll be the first to know about any special offers they have available.
Not only can this save you money, but it can also make booking your accommodation a lot easier. Instead of spending hours searching for the best deals online, you can simply scroll through your social media feeds and find great offers without much work.
It’s especially helpful if you’re a spontaneous traveler or looking to travel last minute. Hotels will post deals to fill up rooms on short notice. Last-minute deals are often a steal! If you need an excuse to get on social media, here it is! You never know when they might post a deal that’s too good to pass up.
15. Sign up for e-newsletter deals
Email newsletter deals are not going away anytime soon. (Shameless plug for my free budget printable when you sign up for mine – or country guide if you sign up on one of the country pages). If you’re like me and sign up for ALL the emails, it might not be a bad idea for a separate email address.
Hotels, booking sites, and VRBO, all have their e-newsletters – featuring new destinations as well as exclusive deals. When I search for accommodation, I do a quick search in my email to see if I have a coupon code or deal (stay 2 nights get 1 free).
To take advantage of these savings, all you have to do is provide your email address and opt-in for promotional emails. You can then expect to receive regular updates on the latest deals, discounts, and promotions directly in your inbox. You’ll also learn the cycle of sales for a destination. If you’re not planning on visiting Las Vegas this year, but next, and see that hotels in Vegas are cheaper during one part of the year, then you might be able to plan accordingly (think gym equipment on sale in January, but for travel).
So next time you’re planning a trip, make sure to sign up for e-newsletters from your preferred travel websites. You might just snag a great deal and save some extra money on your accommodation costs!
16. Search incognito or Delete your cookies
If you’ve read my tips for finding cheap flights, then you know I’m a big fan of searching incognito and clearing my cookies. When you search for hotels or other accommodations online, websites track your search history and use that information to adjust prices. They know the hotels are now in demand for that time and will increase the price.
By deleting your cookies and search history before searching again, the website won’t have any data on which to base its pricing.
To delete your cookies and search history, go to your browser settings and select “clear browsing data” or “clear history.” You can also use a private browsing mode or incognito mode to avoid having your searches tracked in the first place.
By taking this simple step, you could potentially save money on accommodation costs (and flight costs) during your travels. So don’t forget to clear your browsing data before searching for deals online!
Final thoughts on saving money on accommodation while traveling
Accommodation is probably the #2 item on most travel budgets, second only to flights. if you’re proactive with research and flexible with travel time, then you should be able to get a pretty good deal on your accommodation!
Read More tips on Money for Travel
How to Figure out how Much Cash to Bring on a Trip
6 Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
8 Adult Ways to Save for Travel
Save “How to Save Money on Accommodation” for Later
The deleting cookies is so real and one I feel like I always forget! Thanks for sharing all these tips! They are great!
It takes practice to get into the habit of clearing cookies! Hope it helps!
These are great tips! I never thought about following accommodations on social media- but after reading this post, I am following them now! Thanks for the tip!
These are great tips! We are currently trying to save money on accommodations to for a trip to Maui, and I never thought of following properties on social media or joining their email list. That’s so smart! Thank you for sharing.