Next to airfare (or at least equal to it) accommodation costs will comprise the bulk of your travel budget. They don't need to. Sure, there are those special occasions we celebrate that we want to splurge on our accommodations and that's okay! But there are plenty of options out there to bring the cost of your travel accommodations down.
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I was planning a trip to Mexico for my niece and I. When surfing through accommodations I came across a website featuring a 4 star luxury all inclusive resort that was offering a Black Friday deal - 50% off the cost of your stay plus a $1500 resort credit (same as cash) that could be used both inside and outside of the resort - all if you simply booked on Black Friday. I held off booking our accommodations until Black Friday.
Photo credit: Cozumel Palace
We had a seaside suite with in room Jacuzzi, fully stocked bar, balcony with patio furniture and hammock, 3 swimming pools including a huge infinity pool with swim up bar and poolside restaurant, 4 different restaurants to eat at, a full service spa, 24/7 concierge service and it was a scuba diving resort, which is what I'd been looking for.
Photo credit: Cozumel Palace
My niece's thumbs up on the accommodations
By combining using my earned Skymiles to pay our airfare and this 50% off deal at Cozumel Palace, a 10 day trip for two to Cozumel cost me under $5000.
That included all our planned activities and even souvenirs.
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This is why I plan my trips so far in advance, so I can score deals like this one that come along once a year.
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Cozumel Palace became my #1 favorite of any accommodations I've stayed in anywhere.
We weren't treated like guests, we were treated like family.
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Never before had I walked into any accommodations lobby and immediately had a cold wet towel wrapped around my neck to cool me off while at the same time, having a cocktail put in my hand. But this was the kind of service we got at Cozumel Palace. It pays to shop around!
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There are several websites and apps that can help you find the best deals on accommodations.
Hotels.com lets you search just one site for accommodations at hundreds of thousands of properties. Plus, its rewards program is simple: earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals and more when you book on Hotels.com (or partner brands).
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Similarly, HotelTonight is an app that lets users book hotels at low last-minute rates. Priceline Express Deals helps you find the best bargains, but there’s a catch. Priceline doesn’t tell you which hotel you’re booking until after you pay.
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And try TripAdvisor.com for a detailed list of rated hotels (and excursions) that are close to your destination. The site links you to partner sites, such as Expedia and Travelocity for fulfillment. Click on the "check rates" button and select the site or sites you’d like to try — a new window with results will open for each partner.
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And to save even more, make sure you avoid annoying hotel fees. Also, check your credit card rewards. Some of the best travel credit cards offer deals and discounts on hotel stays. For example, the Citi Strata Premier card offers a $100 annual hotel and earns 10x points booked on hotels through the card's travel portal.
Use an aggregator service
No matter how many times you hear some company say you’ll always get the best price from them, there are constant irregularities in the price across websites. Take this screen shot for example:
When you’re searching though, many of the “choices” are really just divisions of the same company. You need to see all of them to compare.
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You always have to shop around and these sites make it easier to do so. The same hotel will be many different prices as you can see in the screen shot.
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if you’re dealing with a major hotel conglomerate. Intercontinental Hotels Group, Marriott, and the like will supposedly match the price you find elsewhere if theirs is higher. You often have to go fill out a form like this though to get the difference.
Sometimes an independent hotel will honor cheaper prices elsewhere too, but you have to take the time to track down a front desk manager or reservations person and take it up with them.
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Sometimes there’s some local hotel booking version you’ve never heard of if there’s a big domestic, so ask around or just start searching for hotel deals with one of the aggregators and see what pops up.
Use Google Maps for independent hotels
In much of the world outside the USA, the best hotel bargains are with independent properties, not chain motels and hotels. Many of these hotel owners balk at paying the 20-25% these booking companies charge them to send business. They’d rather be 50% full and get the whole rate than be 75% full but owing a fat commission on every booking. So they rely on Google Maps.
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How this works in practice is that you zero in on the area where you want to stay, then see what is popping up when you search hotels on Google Maps. You’ll find places with terrible reviews and places with great reviews. Start looking through the latter and see what’s in your price range. If you book direct for two nights or more, you may even be able to get a lower rate or a room upgrade by contacting the owner directly.
Use coupons for the cheapest motels
If you’re driving across the USA, you see these coupon books at rest stops, in diners, and in tourism bureau offices in almost every state for the cheapest motels. I’ve probably used these 20 times or more to get a deal on a place where I’m just passing through.
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I’ve frequently compared them to what I could find online and the coupon books usually give a better rate.
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All of the motels are not created equal though and some should be avoided.
If you’re driving across the USA, you see these coupon books at rest stops, in diners, and in tourism bureau offices in almost every state for the cheapest motels. I’ve probably used these 20 times or more to get a deal on a place where I’m just passing through.
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I’ve frequently compared them to what I could find online and the coupon books usually give a better rate.
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All of the motels are not created equal though and some should be avoided.
I’ve done the same thing with my IHG card for a decade and a half now and have gotten free rooms from them.
I put regular expenses on the card and also use it when I’m at that particular hotel chain for incidentals. The points add up fast.
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Some credit card programs like Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Sapphire will allow you to transfer points to different programs.
Utilize loyalty programs
If you’re not getting a freebie, belonging to the loyalty program can mean it pays to book direct anyway. You’ll usually get the free Wi-Fi, plus loyalty perks like later checkout or a room upgrade. Sometimes you even get an extra discount on room rates or point redemptions.
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​I always inquire about an establishment's loyalty program whenever booking with it, even if I think I'd use that loyalty program infrequently. They're free to join so why not?
Ask about discounts when booking reservations
Most accommodations offer AAA and AARP discounts on room rates. Likewise for active military and/or military veterans. These discounts are usually around 10%.
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When I'm about to make accommodations reservations, the first thing I'll click on when visiting their website is SPECIAL OFFERS. Nor am I afraid to play one establishment against the other: "Yeah but if I book at so-and-so, they're offering me this special deal... If you can match it, I'll likely book with you." As a former resort owner, I know it's far better to make some kind of a deal than have a unit sitting empty for a weekend or more. What's the worst that could happen? They'd say "Sorry, we can't do that."? You've got nothing to lose by attempting to make a deal.
Book in advance
Some hotels, hostels, etc. offer early bird discounts or special rates for booking in advance.
Book accommodations that offer free cancelation
Okay, no one wants to think about their trip getting canceled, but it can happen for several reasons. Booking rooms that offer free cancellation (or at least up to 24 hours before your stay) can give you peace of mind and save you money.
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No matter who you book through, make sure you know the cancellation policy as well as any deadlines or restrictions. While this may not save you money directly, if something happens and you’re no longer able to go on your trip, you’ll get all your money back.
Stay more than one night
Another way to find cheap accommodation while traveling is to stay more than one night in the same place. Many hotels and hostels offer discounts for longer stays, such as “stay 4 nights, pay for 3” deals. These hotel deals are a great way to save money.
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Staying in the same place for multiple nights can also save you money on transportation costs. By staying in one place you don’t have to pay for a taxi, train, bus, etc. to get to a new place. Bonus: you don’t have to move luggage around
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It’s important to note that these types of deals are often available during the off-season or slower times of the year.
Stay over Sunday
Staying over on a Sunday night can be a great way to find cheap accommodation while traveling. Many hotels receive Friday and Saturday night bookings from leisure travelers and Monday to Friday bookings from their business travelers, so there can be a void on Sunday nights. This is especially true for budget hotels that are often overlooked by business travelers.
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This means that hotels may offer discounted rates to entice guests to stay over on Sunday. An added benefit: it can also give you more time to explore your destination without the crowds. You may even be able to take advantage of weekend events or activities that carry over into Sunday.
Stay mid week
If staying Sunday night doesn’t speak to you (hello dreaded Monday mornings), don’t worry. You can still save money on accommodations by staying mid-week. This is especially true for tourist destinations. There is less demand for hotels mid-week so the price is often significantly lower for Mon-Thur nights.
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By avoiding weekends, you’ll not only find lower prices, but you’ll also have a better chance of finding available rooms at your preferred location. Plus, you’ll avoid the crowds that usually flock to popular destinations on weekends.
Stay in a rental home and share the cost
Photo credit: Reunion Vacation Homes
If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, staying in an apartment or suite can be a great way to save money on accommodation costs. Not only are they typically cheaper than hotels, but they also offer more space and amenities like kitchens and living areas. A short-term apartment rental can offer reasonable prices while giving you a more ‘homey’ travel style.
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By choosing an apartment or suite big enough for everyone to share, you can split the cost of the rental and save even more money. Plus, having a kitchen means you can cook your meals instead of eating out for every meal.
Don't get the biggest and best hotel room
The fancier the room, the more amenities, the higher the cost of the room. Do you need to pay top dollar for the biggest and best when you're likely only going to lay your head there at night? If you're celebrating a special occasion and you want to splurge, that's one thing...but generally, what you'll want is someplace clean, comfortable and functional.
Choose your accommodations with location in mind
Often, hotels and apartments just a short distance away from the main attractions can be significantly cheaper.
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However, be sure to weigh up the extra costs that may come with staying further out. Transportation and parking costs can add up quickly, as well as the time spent commuting. Do your research on the area’s public transportation system before booking your stay. Many hotels that are near a public transportation stop will say so on their website.
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Staying in a nearby town can also save you money while offering unique experiences. You’ll get to see more of the local culture and scenery that you may not have seen if you stayed in a busy tourist area. You’ll definitely get cheaper food options (and probably more authentic too!)
Stay in a guest house, hostel or couchsurf
While this won't be for everyone, it's a fantastic way to slash travel costs especially if you're a solo traveler. And it's a great way to meet some interesting people.
I’ve spent as low as $10/night on these types of budget accommodations. Here are a few websites that are worth looking into:
Hostelworld
This website allows you to search hostels worldwide to find some of the best deals. Hostelworld usually has the most listings, but it charges a $2 service fee to book your accommodation.
Hostelbookers
This website is typically the cheapest option for booking hostels and guesthouses around the world. Though it’s cheaper than Hostelworld, there are fewer listings to choose from. Hence, it’s important to compare these websites prior to booking a budget accommodation.
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Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a service that allows travelers to “crash on someone’s couch” or otherwise stay in a local’s home. It’s a great way to meet people and have an authentic experience. One of the best parts of all? It’s free!
Photo credit: Hostelworld
If you opt for a hostel, be sure to bring a pair of earplugs in case there's a snorer in your midst!
Wild camping
Photo credit: Wix
Camping on public lands offers accommodation surrounded by natural beauty at minimal cost. Invest in some quality lightweight gear and you can enjoy years of nearly free accommodation options.
Wild camping in the U.S. offers a unique and budget-friendly ways to experience nature. Here are some locations where you can find free wild camping spots:
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Yellowstone Natl. Park: Requires a camping permit but provides a unique wild camping experience. Just don't forget the bear spray.
White Mountain Natl. Forest: Known for its scenic hiking routes.
Grand Teton Natl. Park: Offers year round wild camping with stunning views.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: Minnesota's remote wilderness area with over a million acres of pristine lakes, forests and rivers.
Sawtooth Mountains: This mountain range is part of the Rocky Mountains in central Idaho. Here campers can enjoy scenic views, towering mountain peaks, and Saddleback Lakes.
Glacier Natl. Park: Another range part of the Rocky Mountains, the Glacier National Park sits in Montana and offers over 1,500 square miles of dispersed camping opportunities.
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My own state of Wisconsin offers a variety of wild and free camping options.
20 Best Places for Free Camping in Wisconsin
Offer to house sit
Photo credit: Wix
Looking after someone’s home while they travel provides free accommodation in locations worldwide. Trusted house sitters mind pets, water plants, collect mail, and maintain security, allowing homeowners to travel with peace of mind.
The arrangement often includes the use of vehicles and utilities, dramatically reducing travel costs.
Volunteer exchanges
Photo credit: Wix
Trading your skills and/or labor is a great way to score free accommodations in exchange and there are now platforms that help you do this. For example, sustainable farms will provide accommodations in exchange for 4-6 hours of daily work on the farm.
Similar programs exist for language teaching, childcare, hostel help, and construction projects.
House exchange
Photo credit: Wix
Trading homes with fellow travelers eliminates accommodation costs while providing authentic local living experiences.Unlike commercial accommodation, home exchanges often include the use of vehicles, sporting equipment, and insider recommendations.
Religious hospitality
Religious institutions across different faith traditions often provide accommodation for travelers. American religious communities have developed various hospitality programs to foster a sense of belonging and spiritual
growth.