Accommodation is often the biggest chunk of any travel budget, but it’s also one of the easiest places to trim your expenses with a little effort. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, there are plenty of ways to cut lodging costs without sacrificing comfort or experience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best ways to save money on accommodation—strategies I’ve picked up from years of travel and talking to fellow explorers. These tips will help you stretch your travel budget so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey.
Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
Sometimes, simply adjusting your dates can make a huge difference in price. Hotel and rental rates soar during big events, holidays, and peak seasons, so consider planning your trip just before or after these periods for better deals. Flexibility is one of the best ways to save money on accommodation.
Travel Mid-Week
Staying over a Tuesday or Wednesday can often snag you a lower nightly rate than the weekend crowd pays. Hoteliers are more likely to offer discounts midweek when rooms tend to go unbooked.
Avoid Major Holidays and Events
Always check what’s happening locally before you book. Big festivals, sports tournaments, or conventions can lead to price hikes across the board. Shifting your trip by even a couple of days can mean significant savings.
Explore Alternatives to Hotels
Hotels are familiar, but they’re not always the best value. Thinking outside the box can open up options that are both budget-friendly and memorable.
- Vacation Homes and Apartments: Using platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, you might find an entire apartment for less than the cost of a cramped hotel room—especially handy for families or groups.
- Hostels: Modern hostels aren’t just for young backpackers. Many offer private rooms and great amenities at much lower prices.
- House-Sitting: Keep an eye out for opportunities to look after someone’s place—and maybe their pets—in exchange for free accommodation.
- Home Swaps: If you own a home, exchanging houses with another traveler is a unique way to live like a local for little or no cost.
Shop Around and Use Smart Booking Tools
Don’t rush to book the first property you see. Take advantage of comparison websites to scope out the best offers, and use related tools to track price drops. This approach is one of the best ways to save money on accommodation and ensure you’re not leaving potential savings on the table.
Set Price Alerts
Most booking platforms let you set alerts for your chosen dates and destination. With a quick notification, you’ll know when it’s the right time to snag a worthwhile deal.
Look for Last-Minute Deals
If you can afford to wait, last-minute booking apps sometimes offer deep discounts on unbooked rooms. It’s a bit of a gamble, but it can pay off—especially during off-peak times.
Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs and Membership Discounts
Signing up for a hotel loyalty program is generally free, and every stay earns you points toward future free nights or perks like free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Also, check if you’re eligible for special rates through organizations like AAA, student groups, or even your workplace.
Book Longer Stays
It may sound counterintuitive, but booking for a week or longer can often reduce your average nightly rate. Many vacation rentals and extended-stay hotels reward longer commitments with discounts, which is ideal for slow travelers, remote workers, or anyone settling in for more than a few days.
Negotiate Directly With Owners
Especially for stays of a week or more, it never hurts to ask the property owner or small hotel about better rates. A polite request can lead to unexpected deals—after all, property managers would rather fill a room long-term than deal with vacancies.
Additional Tips: Travel Smarter, Spend Less
- Book refundable rates and watch for price drops, then rebook at the lower price if possible.
- Bundle accommodation with flights or car rentals for package savings.
- Always check if taxes and fees are included before making a final decision.
- Consider staying just outside city centers for better values and quieter nights.
Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Savings
Saving on accommodation isn’t about luck; it’s about a handful of small, intentional choices that add up. From adjusting your travel dates to joining loyalty programs and being open to alternatives, you’ll find there are countless best ways to save money on accommodation. With a bit of creativity and patience, you can stay in comfort for less—leaving you with more to spend on making memories.
For even more tips and inspiration, check out Budget Travel’s guide to booking affordable stays which offers practical advice for every kind of traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest day to book lodging?
You’ll usually find the lowest prices if your stay includes a weekday night like Tuesday or Wednesday, since demand dips compared to weekends.
2. Should I book my accommodation early or wait until the last minute?
Generally, booking early is safer for popular places, but last-minute deals can save you money if your dates are flexible and you’re feeling adventurous.
3. Are vacation rentals cheaper than hotels?
They often are, especially if you’re traveling with a group or want to save on meals by cooking at home, but always compare prices and consider fees.
4. What’s the best way to find special deals on accommodation?
Use travel search engines, subscribe to deal newsletters, and set price alerts to catch short-term discounts when they pop up.
5. Is joining hotel loyalty programs worthwhile?
Absolutely—over time, you’ll rack up enough points for perks and free stays, and members often get lower rates than regular guests.
You may also read:Tips for Booking Last-Minute Travel Deals
