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Congratulations, you’ve found an amazing deal on your flight! Now comes the next big decision: where to stay. If you’re lucky enough to have family or friends at your destination, you’re set. Otherwise, you will have to start the daunting task of looking for that perfect -and hopefully cheap- “home away from home” for a night or more.
The challenge, for budget-minded travelers like us, is finding affordable options without compromising on quality and safety. So, where to start?
Your initial instinct might be to look for the cheapest price and call it a day. However, that may not always be the wisest move. Aside from budget considerations, travelers should also weigh other crucial factors such as safety and convenience.
Let’s say you find an affordable hotel near the airport. Sounds good, right? If it’s miles away from the city center or the attractions you’re eager to explore, however, you could end up spending a lot more on transportation costs alone. Add to that the time it would take you to go back and forth. This scenario is just an example of the many factors to consider when planning a trip. So, here are some useful tips to guide you.
Location is King!
We all know the real estate motto: Location, location, location. Apply the same principle when looking for a place to stay. Opt for locations near the main attractions, convenient public transportation, or available parking if you’re driving.
Some destinations are very walkable, which means that you may not even need to take any public transportation or drive to go around. Speaking from experience, staying in Madrid’s Las Letras neighborhood put us within walking distance of popular places such as the Plaza Mayor, Museo Nacional del Prado, and the bustling commercial street Gran Vía.
Similarly, during our trip to Prague, we opted for lodging in Old Town, the historical center of the Czech’s capital. This prime location gave us easy access to iconic sights like the Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge.
Being close to the action is crucial when you’re on a short gateway because you won’t want to spend your precious vacation time commuting.
What Type of Accommodation Suits You?
When searching for affordable options, you may find that hostels offer some of the cheapest rates. Be sure to check the room type, whether it’s a 6-bed mixed dormitory or a private room. Also, remember that hostel beds are typically priced per person, while hotel rooms are priced per room.
If you are not thrilled about staying in a hostel, do not despair! Price comparison websites can point you toward good alternatives such as hotels and apartments. Staying in an apartment often provides the benefit of more space and a kitchen, giving you the opportunity to save on meals.
Don’t Forget to Compare Prices
What could be more frustrating for thrifty travelers than finding a lower rate after making a non-refundable booking? To avoid this, turn to reliable price comparison platforms like Google, CozyCozy, Kayak, HotelsCombined, and Tripadvisor. Also, check out our list of best travel sites to look for accommodations.
Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
If you’re part of a hotel loyalty program, always check the associated properties for exclusive rates and perks. You can often earn promotional points, benefits, or elite status by booking directly.
Major programs include Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, and World of Hyatt.
Book Directly with Hotels
One of the benefits of booking directly with hotels is the ability to match prices found elsewhere. Hotels often are willing to offer competitive rates to avoid third-party commissions. For instance, chains like Choice Hotels don’t just promise to offer the lowest rates and match prices found on other websites —they’ll even throw in a free night or a gift card!
In addition, direct bookings ensure that your reservation is confirmed.
Check Credit Card Perks
Many credit cards offer travel-related benefits. For instance, Venture X from Capital One provides a $300 credit to cover travel expenses -including hotels- booked through its site. Similarly, Chase Sapphire Preferred provides a $50 credit for hotels booked on its portal, while premium cards like the American Express Platinum come with a $200 credit for select hotels and resorts.
If you’re earning points by paying your rent with Bilt Rewards, you could use those points to book hotels or transfer to hotel loyalty programs. Make sure you’re maximizing this perks to save on accommodations.
Look for Flexibility
When possible, opt for stays with flexible change or cancellation policies. This is particularly essential for bookings made well in advance, as you never know what might happen, or you may want to modify your itinerary. However, pay attention to the terms of the offer, since the period given to cancel or modify your stay may vary.
Discover New Destinations
If you’re open to new experiences, consider destinations known for their affordability. Countries or cities with a lower cost of living tend to have more budget-friendly accommodations. Cities like Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Marrakech, Cape Town, Antalya, and Buenos Aires provide fantastic value for your money.
Take a look at our list of cheapest places to visit, or search online, on social media, as well as watch YouTube videos for inspiration and tips. So go ahead, think outside the box to unveil unexpected gems, and make your next trip unforgettable!
In Summary
Finding the perfect accommodation is not just about getting the cheapest deal in sight. It’s a nuanced process that involves juggling various factors such as location, safety, and convenience. From taking advantage of loyalty programs and credit card benefits to becoming a savvy comparison shopper, there are plenty of ways to ensure quality accommodation that won’t break the bank.
