Traveling on a Budget? Try These 10 Accommodation Hacks for Ultimate Comfort!

Подробнее о видео

Kristin Wilson from @TravelingwithKristin shares her top 10 budget-friendly and comfortable travel hacks.

00:26 1. Embrace Alternative Accommodations
01:27 2. Consider Housesitting, Sharing, or Swapping
02:36 3. Timing is Everything
04:02 4. Stay Outside the Touristy Areas
05:36 5. Loyalty Programs and Memberships
07:24 6. Hotel Credit Cards
08:17 7. Look for Package Deals
09:19 8. Utilize Price Comparison Sites
10:39 9. Negotiate for Upgrades
11:38 10. Stay Longer, Pay Less

Hack 1: Embrace Alternative Accommodations

Don't limit yourself to just hotels. Consider alternative options like vacation rentals, hostels, and even couchsurfing platforms. These can offer unique experiences and often come with more affordable price tags.

One site I like to use is Tripping.com, which brings together results from more than 12 million properties on different booking sites around the world.

Hack 2: Consider Housesitting, Sharing, or Swapping

You can get free accommodation if you housesit or pet sit for someone using a site like trusted housesitters.com. You can also trade your home with someone else on a site like Love home swap, and save thousands of dollars each time you travel.

Then there's always the potential to rent a private room in shared accommodation. This is an excellent way to meet people while saving money, especially if you plan to be sightseeing more and staying in your hotel less.

Hack 3: Timing Is Everything

Just like with flights, timing matters for accommodations, too. Booking well in advance can score early bird deals, while last-minute bookings can sometimes lead to discounts as properties try to fill up their remaining rooms.

One site I like to use is HotelTonight, which specializes in last-minute deals and even has a daily price drop. But sometimes, on the Hotel app, you can find that they drop their prices significantly on the night you want to stay there, as long as it's not a busy time of year and the hotel isn't sold out.

Hack 4: Stay Outside the Touristy Area

Accommodations in popular tourist areas can be pricey. Consider staying a bit further away and using public transportation or rideshares to get around. You'll often find more budget-friendly options just a short distance away. It could be the difference between a $300 or $500 hotel and a $100 or $200 hotel with the same standard of rooms.

Hack 5: Loyalty Programs and Memberships

If you frequently travel, consider joining loyalty programs or becoming a member of hotel chains. This can lead to exclusive discounts, free nights, late checkout, and other perks over time. I am an IHG platinum member, and I get free Wi-Fi, free late check out, and usually a welcome amenity of extra points, drinks, bottles of water, and sometimes free chocolate or snacks. The best gift I ever got was a package of macarons at the Intercontinental in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Hack 6: Hotel Credit Cards

Also, consider signing up with a hotel credit card. The Marriott Bon Voy credit card gives you 17 points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels around the world. I can also get a bonus offer of three free nights when you sign up.

Hilton Honors has a similar program with 12 points per $1 spent at their property and a 130k bonus offer. These programs also fast-track you to getting elite status at hotels, which can provide other benefits that we talked about, like late check out or earning free nights or even discounted rates.

Hack 7: Look for Package Deals

Sometimes booking accommodations as part of a package deal with flights or activities can lead to overall savings. Keep an eye out for these bundled options when planning your trip. Delta offers Delta vacations, where you can bundle your flight and hotel together.

Hack 8: Utilize Price Comparison Sites

Just like with flights, there are accommodation price comparison websites that can help you find the best deals across various booking platforms. Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com are great places to start. Also, set up an account with the site to earn free nights while you shop.

However, always cross reference this with the hotel website, as they may offer the lowest price guarantee.

Hack 9: Negotiate for Upgrades

Polite negotiation can sometimes land you a free upgrade or additional perks. If the property isn't fully booked, they might be willing to offer you a better room or extra amenities.

Hack 10: Stay Longer, Pay Less

Many accommodations offer discounted rates for longer stays. If your travel plans allow, consider staying a few extra nights to take advantage of these discounts. You can also contact the hotel directly and negotiate a long-term weekly rate.

If you want to hear more about the opportunities you have overseas, sign up for our free daily e-letter, The Daily Postcards, here:

Enjoy the episode, and make sure you hit the subscribe button!

#accommodationhacks #travelhacks #traveltips