Going on vacation can be expensive. There are so many different costs to factor in, from the flight tickets to the countless dinners out. For every expense, there are ways to save the pennies and stick to a strict budget, but accommodation is often one of the biggest expenditures. Here are some cost-cutting ideas for locking down cheap holiday accommodations to get you started.
No matter whether you’re going to Antelope Canyon, Paris, or Timbuktu, you will need somewhere to lay your head each night. But hotels can be surprisingly expensive, and may take up the vast majority of your holiday budget.
An accommodation that is both comfortable and clean is essential for any trip, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways you can save money on your stay without compromising on quality.
Tips to Find Cheap Holiday Accommodations – Travel off-season
Holiday accommodation providers tend to hike their prices in the peak season. Summer, the school holidays, and Christmas are often the biggest culprits for extortionate fees. Try to travel out of season if you can, in order to reap the rewards of low hotel rates. This might mean you’re not traveling in the hottest time of year, which for some people may even be a bonus!
For shorter trips, mid-week stays are generally cheaper than weekends. For me, I love traveling during off-peak times of year and even shoulder seasons to save money on lodging.
Tips to Find Cheap Holiday Accommodations – Book in advance
The closer you get to your chosen departure date, the more expensive your hotel is likely to be. Booking your trip many months in advance is likely to save you money. You may even find some great hotel deals in the January sales. Leaving it all to the last minute can play havoc with your vacation budget.
Having written that, there are some times when hotels and resorts have a ton of rooms unsold, so they’ll lower the price per night to fill to capacity. If you have the flexibility, or like last-minute getaways, this is ideal.
Keep it simple
If your heart is set on a 5-star resort with an infinity pool, health spa, and a gourmet restaurant, you are going to spend a fortune. But for most people, a vacation is about making memories and spending time with loved ones. The hotel is just a place to sleep and store your luggage.
There is nothing wrong with booking a cheaper, more basic accommodation option to save a bit of money. Check the reviews online to make sure it is clean and has everything you need, but as long as there is a bed and a bathroom, you can make do.
Tips to Find Cheap Holiday Accommodations – Opt for Self-Catering
A self-catering accommodation is one with a kitchen, allowing residents to cook for themselves. Sites like AirBnb offer these options for holiday goers. Many of these may be cheaper per night than a hotel, and will also save you money on your food expenses, as you can prepare your own meals rather than eating out at expensive restaurants each night.
Choose Your Flight Day and Times Wisely
The time of day you arrive and depart from your destination can affect the cost of your accommodation. If you arrive late in the evening, you will generally go straight to your hotel and sleep through the night. But if you can book a flight that lands early the next morning, you haven’t spent any money on that first night, and you still have just as much time to enjoy your trip.
The same goes with departure. Book a flight that leaves in the evening of your last day in order to maximize your vacation time and minimize hotel fees.