Having the wanderlust bug, but struggling with a smaller budget, doesn’t mean you have to limit the exploration. Let the journey begin by saving money on your accommodation by finding budget-friendly hotels around the world. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find (and book) cheap hotel stays, so you can create lifetime memories and amazing experiences without breaking the bank.
Do Your Research
Travel with a budget in mind, and do some research before booking. Think of the destination and where you want to stay. Look at the local must-stays and see if there is anything available at a lower rate. You can look up hotel reviews on Tripadvisor, Booking.com or other travel websites to check its rating, amenities and conditions. Don’t forget about searching for lesser known accommodation places such as bed and breakfasts, homestays, couchsurfing, company residencies and even hostel.
Book Directly from the Hotels
Take advantage of the offers and discounts being given by the hotels. Many of them have great discounts when you book directly from them. By booking directly from the hotel, you can get advantages such as discounts, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast and free parking. This is one of the best ways to get a budget-friendly hotel.
Take Benefits of Credit Card Rewards
It‘s great to get rewards and bonuses on using your credit cards. Sign up with programs like Hyatt Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, Marriott Rewards, or Starwood Preferred Guest and use your credit cards to earn points on booking hotels. This way, you will be able to get discounts or even book hotels for free.
Take Advantage of Online Travel Agencies
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are the perfect place to look for budget-friendly hotels. Most of them have discounted rates and offer additional discounts if you use their discount codes. Look for the best deals and discounts on OTAs like Expedia, Agoda and Hotels.com.
Look for Bundles and Special Offers
One can also look for bundle offers for airfare, hotel and car rental. Booking these combined might save you money in the long run. Sites like Travelocity, Hotwire and Groupon have bundled deals worth considering, when you are looking for something cheaper. During off-season, many hotels offer special offers to attract more tourists. Take advantage of such offers that may include discounted stays or extra night stays.
Sign Up for Hotel Reward Programs
Sign up for loyalty programs like HiltonHonors or IHG Rewards Club and use your membership to get access to additional discounts or rewards. These programs usually offer members points or other types of currency when they book hotels, which can be used for discounted stays.
Book Last-Minute Deals
Look for last minute deals or discounts being given by the hotels. Hotels want to fill up their available rooms and they reduce the prices when they get closer to the check-in date. You can look for last minute hotel booking sites like Hotwire, HotelTonight or Last Minute Travel, to get budget-friendly options for your stay.
Take Advantage of Alternative Accommodation
Boutique hotels, hostels, self-catering apartments and guesthouses, VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) and Airbnb are some of the alternative accommodation options you can use to find cheap hotels. Many times, these accommodation provide cheap and comfortable stays at a fraction of a cost when compared to big hotels.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Considering the time of your stay can also make a difference in getting budget-friendly hotels. Generally, Fridays and Saturdays have higher hotel rates. Try to be flexible with your travel dates and book your hotel during the weekdays or mid-week or book early to get the best possible pricing.
Negotiate the Prices
Don’t be scared to negotiate with the hotels or the representatives. Often they will drop the room charges or give special discounts if you do so.you can also look for special offers that may include discounted stays or extra night stay. These offers are flexible and can make your stay more convenient and budget-friendly.
Follow these tips to find cheap hotels for your travel. Remember to compare rates, book during off-season and have a plan for your stay that helps you save money. With some of the tricks in this guide, you can put budget-friendly hotels first on your trip planning list and make the most out of your stay without breaking the bank.
