If you want to save money while traveling, check out these tips to find cheap accommodations. These tips apply to all hotel types, including Hostels, Guesthouses, and Airbnbs. However, they aren’t always the same. There are some common mistakes travelers make, so be sure to keep them in mind. You should never pay for anything you don’t need. You’ll save money in the long run by staying at a guesthouse or hostel, even if it’s a little pricier.
Hostels
One of the best ways to travel cheaply is by staying in Hostels when traveling. Many of these establishments are located in urban areas with limited amenities, so it’s important to choose hostels with a local feel. For example, if you’re traveling to Europe, consider booking a hostel in Vienna. This city has an eclectic population, making it the ideal place to spend a few days. Aside from its cheap rates, it also provides a great way to meet people from other parts of the world.
Hotels
With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the travel industry is in crisis mode. TSA checkpoint lines are growing on a daily basis, and hospitality companies are reporting near-capacity bookings. To better understand how this is impacting the industry, data journalism website Stacker looked at data from YouGov regarding hotel chain loyalty, segmenting the results by generation. A loyalty card, which gives you special discounts and perks, can help you maximize the use of these discounts.
Guesthouses
One of the best ways to save money on accommodation is to opt for guesthouses. These accommodation options are not commercially run and their rules are less strict than those of hotels. This is the ideal option for travelers seeking a more personal, relaxed atmosphere. Often, guesthouses are family-owned, which means that the host will deal with all the duties involved in your stay. The family may even provide you with free eggs, vegetables, and water from their own spring.
Airbnbs
When traveling, you may wonder if it makes more sense to stay in Airbnbs or hotels. Both options have their benefits, but there are some key differences between the two. When staying in hotels, you get the benefit of a concierge, who can help you arrange taxi rides, find nearby amenities, and make reservations for dinner. In contrast, when staying in Airbnbs, you’ll be on your own. You’ll be responsible for cleaning your room after your stay, but at least you won’t have to pay for the services of a hotel concierge.
Meta-search (price comparison) websites
There are many reasons to use a meta-search (price comparison) website to book your travel accommodations. This kind of website collects prices from multiple sources and puts them in one convenient location for potential guests. As part of the meta-search process, hotels may pay for a listing on these websites, which they use to try to persuade users to book through their platform.
Rewards programs
Most travelers would love to get rewards for their hotel stays and travel, but not all rewards programs are created equal. Some of the best hotel loyalty programs have multiple tiers, with each tier offering different benefits. The InterContinental Hotels Group offers the most varied rewards, with a range of hotel properties from midrange to luxury. Members can earn and redeem points in five different ways: by staying at participating hotels, purchasing goods and services online, and more. However, the most valuable part of IHG’s loyalty program is its frequent traveler rewards.