Ways to Save Money on Accommodations When Traveling

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You have to spend a decent amount of money when you go on vacation. That’s because there are a lot of things you have to spend money on! You have to spend money on transportation, which means flying in an airplane or renting a car, and you have to think about all the money you’re going to spend on food while you’re gone. One of the biggest expenses you have to consider is your accommodations.

Where you stay is going to be one of your biggest expenses when traveling. Fortunately, that also means there are plenty of opportunities to save money.

No matter where you’re traveling, these tips will help you save money on accommodations so you can spend that money on something else.

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Rent a Home or an Apartment

Many benefits come along with staying in a hotel, but cost effectiveness isn’t likely to be one of them. That’s especially the case if you’re traveling with a group. The cost of multiple hotel rooms can add up fast.

In addition, traditional hotel rooms don’t have a kitchen. You may have access to a microwave, but that’s about it, which means you’ll spend a lot of money eating out.

Instead, consider renting a home or an apartment. You can use apps to find a place to stay, but you can also rent spaces from property managers. For example, browse Bayut and you can find a villa to rent with a group during your vacation in Dubai.

Consider Shared Vacation Spaces

If you aren’t traveling with a large group, a hotel room can still be expensive. That’s especially the case if you’re planning on staying multiple nights in a row.

Instead of renting a private hotel room, consider a shared vacation space instead. You can stay in a bed and breakfast with a shared bathroom space, or you can stay in a hostel. You may not get as much privacy with these options, but when you’re on vacation, you aren’t likely to spend a lot of time at the hotel anyway!

Look for Ways to Get the Best Price

No matter where you decide to stay, you aren’t going to find the best deal by going with the first hotel you find. Instead, you have to look for ways to find the best price.

A few ideas for finding the best price include:

  • Using perks from memberships, like AAA or ARP
  • Join a hotel points program
  • Sign up for a hotel credit card
  • Get cash back with a qualifying credit card
  • Look for special deals on the internet and social media

If you’re having a hard time finding any special deals on accommodations you love, or you’ve found a few deals, but you’re wondering if you can reduce the price even more, give the hotel a call. Many times, when you call in and speak directly to a manager, you’ll get discounts you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to get.

Save on Extra Fees

The cost of your accommodations isn’t the only cost you have to keep your eyes open for. There are a lot of hidden and unexpected fees when it comes to traveling.

Unfortunately, many hotels have hidden fees. They can include everything from airport shuttles to gratuities for bellhops and housekeepers. Make sure you clarify these fees with an agent before booking, and always ask if a service costs before you sign up.

If you like the idea of some extras, but don’t want to have to worry about paying for them, consider booking a room at the concierge level. Although it will cost more upfront, you could end up saving in the long run if you plan on using multiple services during your stay.

Consider Booking at the Last Minute

Most of us plan our vacations weeks or months in advance. You can do a lot of research to find a good deal during that time, but in some cases, it’s actually best to book at the last minute.

Hotels want to fill as many rooms as they can every night. In order to fill those rooms, they are often willing to discount how much they cost at the last minute, which can save you a ton of money on a hotel that might otherwise be out of your budget.

There’s no denying the fact that you’re going to have to spend money on accommodations when you’re traveling, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. With the tips on this list, you can find the perfect accommodations that fit your budget.