One of the major expenses while traveling is typically lodging. Even “reasonably” priced hotels can cost upwards of $200 per night. Luckily, finding inexpensive lodging is not as difficult as one might think – you just have to know where to look. Here are some suggestions to consider for your next trip.
Housing Swap
If you are traveling with your family or a group, a housing swap can be both economical and very convenient. The basic idea is that you trade houses with someone in another location. Typically, the involved parties draw up a contract that covers use of particular items (cars, appliances, etc.), cleaning fees and damage policies. As traveling families become more budget conscious, this option has become much more popular. There are several websites you can use to facilitate the swap. For starters, check out:
http://www.homeexchange.com/ (specializes in international house swaps)
http://www.homeforswap.com/ (specializes in both U.S. and international house swaps)
http://www.digsville.com/ (has lots of great and affordable listings for U.S. and abroad)
CouchSurfing
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The term was coined by the non-profit group by the same name that connects frugal travelers in over 230 countries. CouchSurfing (www.couchsurfing.org) members host one another (for free) in their homes. According to CouchSurfers I know, these stays provide the opportunity for rich cultural exchanges and they have made connections with individuals living all over the world (who have offered to put them up whenever they’d like). Think if it kind of like a study abroad “homestay” for adults. Though most CouchSurfers are single people or couples, there are opportunities for families to CouchSurf together as well.
Hostels
During my backpacking through Europe years, I got to know the Euro hostel scene quite well. Hostels are typically very casual hotels where you can rent a bed in a shared room (some also offer private rooms) and use the shared shower and bathroom facilities. Hostel qualities range from hotel-like to downright shabby and prices can vary from the equivalent of $10USD per night to $80USD per night. Some offer a continental breakfast (included in the price). One of the fun things about staying in a hostel is the variety of people you’ll meet—they are inherently more social places than most hotels.
There are many hostels that do not allow children, so make sure you check first if you are traveling with youngsters. Finding out about hostels is much more convenient now than it was when I was “hosteling it” ten years ago. There are a variety of websites that provide international hostel listings and ratings. Check these ones out to start with:
http://www.hostels.com/
http://www.hostelworld.com/
http://www.hostelbookers.com/
Vacation Rentals
Though typically more expensive than the options listed above, vacation rentals often offer more bang for the buck, especially if you’re traveling with a family or group. With the international real estate market on the fritz, more and more home and condo owners are renting out their properties to make ends meet. This typically translates to great properties for reasonable prices. If you’re traveling with a group of friends, consider renting a house and splitting the price. The savings you’ll see will be amazing. There are many sites online that will help you find a vacation rental in the area you’ll be traveling in a price range that that works into your travel budget. Start by visiting theses ones:
http://www.vacationrentals.com/
http://www.homeaway.com/
http://www.vrbo.com/
Tag: vacation rentals
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Sleep for Cheap: The Key to Finding Inexpensive Lodging Options
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General Tips and Best Resources on the Web for Inexpensive Vacation Condo Rentals
Tired of spending the big bucks on mediocre hotels? Looking for a more personal and flexible lodging option? Going on vacation with several couples or families and looking for a comfortable shared rental? I strongly suggest trying a vacation condo rental on your next trip. Due to the crash in the housing market, there are now more private condo/apartment/guest house/house rentals available than ever before. Some of these properties are rented out by individual owners, and others are management by rental agencies. One thing is for sure, you’ll typically get a lot more bang for your buck if you opt for a vacation rental over a traditional hotel or motel room.
Top advantages of vacation condo/house rentals:- If you are traveling with a group, renting a large condo or house ends up being much less expensive (and typically more fun!) than each getting a hotel room.
- Vacation rentals often feel more “private” than a hotel or motel.
- Some vacation rentals include breakfast (similar to a b & b format).
- Most vacation rentals come with kitchen facilities (or at least a fridge and a hot plate). This allows you to prepare more meals “at home” and avoid spending a lot eating out all of the time.
- Unlike chain hotels, most people who rent out their condos/houses are somewhat flexible in terms of arrival/departure times.
- Many people who rent out their condos/houses take a lot of personal pride in their properties and throw in “extras” to make their guests stays more enjoyable.
- If you travel to the same place each year, it’s nice to establish a relationship with the owner of the rental property. This makes you feel like you have a “home base” when you are planning your next trip there.
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- It’s important to do all of the research about a rental location before committing to renting it.
- Go through a reputable website (like one of the ones I’ve listed below).
- Be sure to read past reviews about the property/managers/owners, etc. The experiences of past renters will help you decide if this is the type of place that will work for you and your traveling companions.
- If the owner/manager has not posted any pictures, email them to see if they can send you images of the property. If they refuse, this is usually a bad sign regarding the condition of the rental property you should avoid this rental.
- Get everything in writing, including special accommodations, rate, length of stay, etc. Both you and the renter should sign the contract and you should each keep a copy for your files.
- If you enjoy your stay and would like to rent this vacation property again, book early to ensure that you’ll be able to stay there on your following trip.
- If you enjoy your experience at a vacation rental property, leave a review on the vacation rental site you went through to find this location. This will help your “rental gem” thrive and allow other people to have the same wonderful experience you did.
- Likewise, if you have a negative experience at your vacation rental, it is important to go online and leave feedback so that the owner/manager knows what to improve for future guests (and so that other renters can be on the lookout for problems or, in extreme cases, not rent this location).
HomeAway Vacation Rentals HomeAway is an international property rental site that specializes in more upscale rentals. However, there are still some deals to be found here, especially if you are traveling with a group. Vacation Rentals 411 In terms of selection, this site has less rental listings than the others I’ve mentioned (24,000), but there are some really great deals to be found here. European Home Rentals If you’re planning a trip to Europe, put our tips to good use. There are some bargains to be found, especially if you are traveling with a small group. Happy hunting!
