How To Find Cheap Accommodation for your Holidays

Traveling is one of the richest experiences that you can have in life. But, if you are not a seasoned traveler, you might end up paying more for your trips than you actually should. One of the biggest expenses that people face when traveling is accommodation: good hotels are pricey, and it is not always easy to find a good value for money. However, there are some tricks and strategies that might help you find cheaper options without compromising quality. Here are 7 tips to help you find affordable accommodation for your holidays.

Compare prices in different online platforms

Comparing prices across multiple platforms is the first step to find deals and exclusive discounts for cheap accommodation. There are many online platforms that compile information from multiple hotels, holiday rentals and other types of accommodations, giving you a clear and complete overview of the best deals available.  For example, Destinia is an online travel agency where you can compare the prices of different accommodations, search for special promotions, and find travel packages that include flights and hotels at discounted prices.  You have everything in one place, which makes it easy to organize a cheap trip without wasting time searching multiple sites.

By comparing the prices and features of different accommodations on online platforms such as Destinia, you can find the option that best fits your budget and needs, ensuring you get the best value for your money. In addition, if you subscribe to the newsletters of these platforms, you’ll receive alerts of discounts and promotional codes that will help you save even more money.

Be flexible on the dates

We usually ask first for days off at work, and then look for destinations accordingly. But if we did it the other way around, our holiday budget would be pleasantly surprised. During peak seasons such as summer and major holidays, prices tend to skyrocket. For this reason, the best course of action is to analyze the calendar to see when other people are most likely to travel and avoid those dates. If you travel in months like October or February and choose weekdays instead of weekends, you will save a good amount of money.

Take advantage of early bookings

Planning in advance is key when it comes to saving money on accommodation, because last minute booking tend to be more expensive due to high demand. Plus, most hotels offer discounts for early bookings, especially if you do it before the actual holiday season has started. If you are clear on your destination for your summer vacation, booking the accommodation at the beggining of the year will definitely save you some money that you’ll be able to use during your trip.

Consider other forms of accommodation

Hotels are great and comfortable, but they are not always the cheapest opction.  Hostels, guest houses, and apartments can offer better prices. Even options such as Bed & Breakfasts or rural home stays can provide a more authentic and affordable experience. If you are open to sharing space with strangers, hostels are an excellent option, as they offer beds in shared dorms at very low prices. In addition, many of these alternatives often have shared kitchens, allowing you to save money on meals.

Try home swapping

Home swapping is another great way to cut down on lodging costs. There are online platforms that allow you to swap your home with someone else’s during holidays. This means you stay in their home and they stay in yours, with no money exchanged. It’s the best option if you’re open to the idea of having someone else in your home while you enjoy theirs. Besides being affordable, it gives you the comfort of being in a house with all the facilities you could need.

Use online coupons

Promotional discounts are a good way to save money when purchasing online, and finding accommodation is no exception. Webs like Groupon or RetailMeNot offer coupons and discounts to a great variety of services, including hotels and holiday rentals. Search the Internet before booking your accommodation to see if there are any discounts that might apply. You can also install extensions on your web browser to automatically find coupons when you are shopping online.

Sign up for loyalty programs

Many hotel chains and booking platforms offer loyalty programs that can translate into significant discounts or free nights. Signing up for these programs is often free and, over time, the accumulated benefits can result in considerable savings. The more you buy from them, the more points they give you  to use as a discount on future purchases, so it is a win-win deal for both parties. Also, keep an eye out for seasonal specials, flash sales, and members-only promotions that may offer reduced prices. Some credit cards even have agreements with hotels and travel agencies, providing additional benefits such as discounts or extra points for each booking.