After transport, accommodation is your largest expenditure when it comes to vacations. You’ll spend an average of just under $700 for a typical 12 night stay overseas. Remember – that’s an average. You can actually stay for far cheaper than that with a few smart travel hacks. If you are looking to save money and travel for longer, then follow these tips for securing cheaper accommodation.
Lower Your Expectations
You’ve just landed in a brand new city. Perhaps you are in Cusco, looking for local buses to Machu Picchu or you’re sitting in a café in Athens, watching the sunrise over the Acropolis. When you’ve reached such magical destinations, does it really matter what mattress you sleep upon? Across Europe – one of the most expensive travel destinations – you’ll find backpacker hostels for just $7 a night. Be sure to check reviews, but search online for accommodation and order by cheapest first. A couple of nights booked in a wondrous location is worth more than fewer nights in a fancy hotel.
Sleep in the Airport
Have you ever noticed how the cheapest flights tend to land at an out of town airport in the middle of the night? You probably end up buying a more expensive ticket, knowing that you’ll never be able to check in to the hotel at that time. However, there’s another option. Say your flight lands at 23:30 and the first bus into town is at 06:00. Why not sleep in the airport? Not only will you save the money for a night’s worth of lodging, but you’ll secure a cheaper flight too. It may not be the most comfortable, but most airports are open 24/7 and will have somewhere you can camp out for some speedy shut-eye.
Check Out Couchsurfing
So you’ve had a kip in an airport McDonald’s before heading to a cheap ten bed hostel dorm. Is there any other way to shave pennies off your accommodation cost? One option could be couchsurfing. There are plenty of websites that will match you to an approved host who is willing to let you stay at theirs for free. Stick to legitimate websites to ensure your safety, but trusting in the kindness of strangers should be a part of every traveler’s experience.
It can be tempting to simply book the nicest city center hotel, but you won’t be traveling for long if you do this. Instead, look anywhere and everywhere for savings. Budget backpacker hostels are generally clean, safe and comfortable, but far cheaper than a private room. Sleeping in airports or couchsurfing are ways to get a few free night’s of sleep so can you can spend more time in incredible locations.
