Where to look for cheap accommodation?
The costs associated with travel can often exceed our travel expectations, making your dream vacation more stressful than relaxing. Fortunately, there are many ways to find cheap accommodation that will save you money while still being comfortable while traveling. In this article, we’ll share some practical tips on how to do just that.
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Online platforms for searching accommodation
Airbnb
Airbnb is one of the most popular platforms for renting private apartments, rooms and houses around the world. Thanks to it, you can find both luxury apartments and cozy rooms at affordable prices. It is crucial to carefully read the descriptions of the offers and reviews from previous guests to make sure that the chosen accommodation will meet our expectations.
Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the largest booking platforms, offering a wide selection of hotels, hostels, guesthouses and apartments. Thanks to the price comparison function and numerous filters, you can easily find accommodation that meets your requirements and budget. It is also worth paying attention to last minute offers, which are often available at attractive prices.
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is the perfect platform for those looking for cheap hostel accommodation. You can find a wide range of hostels around the world, from simple dorms to private rooms with bathrooms. With reviews and ratings from other travelers, it’s easy to find a place that’s both cheap and comfortable.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a community of travelers who offer free accommodation in their homes. It’s a great way to save money while getting to know locals and their culture. The key to success on Couchsurfing is to create a well-filled profile and actively participate in the community by offering accommodation in your own home as well.
Trivago
Trivago is a price comparison site for accommodation that searches different booking platforms for the best deals. With Trivago, you can quickly and easily find the cheapest accommodation options by comparing prices from different sources. This tool is especially useful when you want to make sure you are paying the lowest possible price for your chosen accommodation.
Groups, forums, social media
There are many groups on Facebook dedicated to travel and cheap accommodation. Joining them allows you to exchange experiences with other travelers, get recommendations and find cheap accommodation opportunities. It is worth being an active member of such communities to keep up to date with new offers and promotions.
Reddit is another place where you can find valuable information on cheap accommodations. Travel subreddits like r/travel and r/solotravel are a treasure trove of knowledge on different locations, cheap accommodations, and practical travel tips.
Alternative forms of accommodation
Campsites
Camping is a great option for those who want to save money on accommodation while enjoying the closeness of nature. In many places around the world, you can find cheap campgrounds that offer basic amenities such as toilets and showers. However, it is worth remembering to bring essential equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, or sleeping mat.
Holiday cottages
Renting a cottage is a popular form of accommodation, especially in tourist towns. Cottages are often a cheaper alternative to hotels, while also offering more space and privacy. It is worth looking for offers on local websites or using services such as Airbnb or Booking.com.
Youth hostels
Youth hostels are cheap places to stay that are especially popular with young travelers and students. They offer simple but comfortable accommodation, often in central locations. You can find youth hostels on sites like Hostelworld and HI Hostels.
Agritourism
Agritourism is a great way to stay cheaply in the countryside, often with the option of meals. Accommodation in agritourism farms allows for direct contact with nature and local culture, and at the same time is often cheaper than hotels or guesthouses. Agritourism offers can be found on local websites or services such as Booking.com and Airbnb.
Loyalty programs and discounts
Many hotel chains offer loyalty programs that allow you to collect points for each night you stay. The points you collect can be exchanged for free nights, discounts, or other benefits. It is worth joining such programs, especially if you travel often and use the same hotel chain.
Discounts for students
Students can take advantage of numerous discounts on accommodation offered by hotels, hostels and other accommodations. It is worth having an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which entitles you to discounts worldwide. Many websites and mobile apps also offer special offers for students.
Last minute offers
Last minute bookings are a great way to find cheap accommodation. Many hotels and hostels will lower their prices for rooms that aren’t booked a few days in advance. Last minute deals can be found on sites like Booking.com, Expedia and Lastminute.com.
Seasonality and travel planning
Traveling off-season is one of the best ways to save money on accommodation. Prices are much lower and tourist spots are less crowded. However, it is worth remembering that some attractions may not be available during the off-season, so it is always worth checking what is open during that time.
Advance bookings
Booking in advance can help you get lower prices on accommodation, especially in popular tourist destinations. Many hotels and booking sites offer discounts for booking in advance. Planning your trip in advance also gives you a wider choice of accommodations and the ability to find the best deals.
Flexibility of travel dates
Flexibility in travel dates is another way to find cheap accommodation. Avoiding travel on weekends, holidays and vacation periods allows for lower prices. It is worth using price calendars available on booking sites to find the cheapest travel dates.
Safety and comfort
Reading reviews and ratings from other travelers is key to finding a safe and comfortable place to stay. It’s worth paying attention to reviews about cleanliness, location, service, and facilities. Reviews can be found on sites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Airbnb.
Location of accommodation
Choosing the right location for accommodation is an important element of planning a trip. It is worth paying attention to the proximity of tourist attractions, public transport and the safety of the area. Choosing accommodation in the city centre can save on transport costs, but it is worth remembering that prices may be higher.
Equipment and facilities
When choosing accommodation, it is also worth paying attention to the facilities and amenities offered, such as internet access, a kitchen, a bathroom or breakfast included in the price. Sometimes it is worth paying a little more for accommodation that offers additional amenities that will allow you to save on other expenses, such as eating out or paying for mobile data packages.
