Booking accommodation is never as much fun as it’s supposed to be. Those who dream of poolside cocktails and four-poster beds often soon realize they may have to settle for a shake and fries and a generic double size. When booking accommodation, there are a few tips you can follow to make your vacation a little tough on the wallet without being less fun.
Learn about the different types of accommodation
The immediate thought when booking accommodation is to search for hotels. This is a perfectly valid option for most, but there are all kinds of places that can be just as comfortable without costing hundreds of dollars. Motels are often the cheapest option, but they generally give the customer what they pay for. A better option is a traveler’s hostel, where the cost is divided into shared dormitories, but the quality can still be as good as a hotel. Most of the time, hostels offer extra freebies like free dinners and events hosted by staff, but the downside is that the whole experience is largely shared with other people staying at the hostel at the same time.
Think out of the box
Another type of option is couch surfing, where a trusted network of people allows others to sleep on their sofa or in their spare room, in exchange for sharing the visitor’s culture and time. This option is not for the timid, as a lot of emphasis is placed on socializing with the host, but money is not normally required for this type of accommodation and, despite first appearances, it is actually very safe, with only a handful of problems in the hundreds of thousands who try each year. Camping can also drastically cut costs and is perfect for those who want to get a little closer to nature, although those who rely on their hair straighteners every day may find it a little less comfortable than they’re used to.
Eliminate luxuries that aren’t really necessary
While it’s a good idea to be located on the beach, accommodation gets cheaper the farther you get from the tourist attractions. Most people find that they end up taking buses and taxis most of the time to see other things, so it may be an idea to look further inland to drastically reduce the cost of accommodation. Air conditioning may also seem like a necessity, especially in hot places, but this can be the kind of amenity that adds twenty bucks to the price per night. Check the average temperature for vacation time and find out if saving a few pennies is worth breaking a sweat.
Plan ahead to book last minute
Planning is essential, if not to organize vacations on time, for peace of mind. A great way to get a bargain is to keep an eye on the pricing pattern of hotels and hostels. Many last-minute websites will fluctuate based on the time of booking and time of visit, so it’s worth checking the website a few times throughout the week to see how the price is affected. It is often thought that Wednesday is the cheapest part of the week, both for booking accommodation and for getting to check-in.