5 small tips to save big on your overnight stays

Everyone needs a safe place to sleep at night. For travelers, overnight accommodation makes up one of the most expensive parts of any trip — but it’s also the most essential.

Expensive hotel costs can suck up vacation funds before a trip even starts. When travelers get a good deal on a room, however, they can put the money they save toward more memorable travel experiences, like activities and local food.

Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or enjoying a weekend trip close to home, you’ll want to save money on accommodation. Here are five small tips travelers can use to save money on overnight stays.

5 small tips to save big on your overnight stays

1. Share a room with friends

If you’re staying in a room by yourself, hotel costs can stack up. Plus, an empty room might get a little lonely. To save money and enjoy company, consider splitting the fee and sharing a room with friends or fellow travelers.

Many hotel rooms can house multiple adults. You can share beds or see if you can bring an extra cot into the room for free. If you’re traveling to an event like a convention or conference, you could even arrange to share a room beforehand by seeking out other budget-conscious attendees online. Just make sure to keep safety in mind.

2. Follow hotel chains on social media

When looking for hotel deals ahead of time, people may benefit from following prominent chains on social media. Companies frequently announce special deals and promotions through these channels, so followers can compare deals and jump on limited opportunities as soon as they see them.

In addition, keeping an eye on social media for deals may be more convenient than checking in with booking websites regularly, since you’re likely already checking your feed anyway.

3. Think about how you book

If you usually reserve the first room that catches your eye, you could save money by rethinking your booking practices. Booking a room through a discount site can help travelers save up to 70%. Check out websites like Booking.com or Hotwire when looking for a good deal.

Additionally, if you find a lower rate on an external website, consider asking the hotel to match or beat the price. Some chains will match the price or offer an upgrade to customers booking directly since it prevents booking apps from taking a cut of the revenue.

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4. Gather reward points

Getting a room for free is even better than getting a discounted rate. If you travel often and tend to stay in the same hotel chains across trips, consider signing up for a hotel loyalty program.

Through these programs, you’ll earn points for every room you rent. Eventually, you can redeem the points to get a room for free. These programs reward frequent travelers, so they’re great for people who take trips for both business and pleasure.

5. Skip the Hotel

In some popular cities and tourist areas, hotels might not be affordable, especially when you’re staying for multiple days. In New York in 2018, for example, accommodation cost an average of 232 U.S. dollars a night.

If you’re willing to go outside your comfort zone, you can save money by staying in less conventional housing. In Europe, hostels provide affordable dorm-style houseing and allow guests to make friends. Similarly, in the U.S., an Airbnb can give you a cheap place to stay with more amenities than hotels can provide.

Through personal connections and websites like Couchsurfing, you might even find a free place to rest your head in countries around the world, which could help you learn about local culture. If you’re lucky enough to stay with a friendly host for free, consider bringing a small gift to show your gratitude.

Help your travel budget go further

Overnight accommodation can get expensive, especially for frequent travelers. Luckily, by remaining vigilant in checking for deals and getting creative, you can save money and help your travel budget go further.

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Posted in tips, travel Tags: accommodation, budget, save, tips