This is the second part in a three part series about travelling on a budget. You can see the first part here: http://scriptoeris.co.uk/?p=270Â
Any wise Scriptoeris reader knows that after a full day of exploring a brand new and exciting place we need somewhere to put our feet up, think about what we’ve seen and prepare for the following day. As much as a 5* hotel would be preferable, it’s not always an option. But limiting yourself to staying in a run-down room with a mattress spring in your back, and wallpaper falling off, isn’t the only way to save money. Read ahead for some top tips on how to find great deals on fabulous accommodation.
If you’re looking for a great deal on accommodation then make sure you look around! Don’t just assume the website of the hotel will offer the cheapest prices. My go to site when it comes to accommodation is Booking.com (www.booking.com). This website not only has a huge range of hotels, hostels, and private accommodation, but regularly has fantastic savings available. You can read honest reviews about the hotel, see its location in relation to the city’s attractions: there’s also no booking fee! I’ve found some great deals through Booking.com in the past; most recently saving lots of money on a fantastic hotel in Oslo!
Other sites with some great deals are LateRooms (www.laterooms.com) and Lastminute (www.lastminute.com). You can also gamble on a special deal at lastminute.com through their top secret hotels offers it all depends on how brave you’re feeling but I’m sure they’re all lovely hotels. You never know, you might even find yourself in a luxury hotel for as little as £50 a night!
If you’re a solo traveller and more of a social Scriptoeris reader then hostels are probably more your thing. In hostels you can meet like minded travellers who can show you places you haven’t yet discovered and take you out on the town to experience the night life. Hostels have earnt themselves a reputation for being quite cheap, although personally I don’t think this reputation is always justified. If you book early enough you can find some good deals. The best prices are on dorms which sleep 12 so if you’re travelling to meet lots of new people then this option would most likely suit you. Hostelworld is the best site to explore the numerous options available (www.hostelworld.co.uk).
Want to know what it’s really like to live in the city you’re exploring? Why not try staying with a local. There are a few ways Scriptoeris readers can do this. The first way, which has become more popular in recent years is to give Couchsurfing a go (www.couchsurfing.com). Couchsurfing is a fantastic way to meet locals and discover the hidden gems of a city. Couchsurfing is free and available all over the world. However, make sure you look carefully at the hosts’ references before agreeing to stay with them. As with any site like this there can be dangers travelling with a fellow Scripteoris reader would be safer and more fun! Airbnb (www.airbnb.com) is a site similar to Couchsurfing but there is a fee to stay in someone’s apartment. It is not yet available in as many cities, but does allow you to rent out an apartment or a room in someone’s house, rather than just the couch. Same cautions apply to Airbnb as with Couchsurfing.
Are you a Scriptoeris reader who prefers hostels to hotels, or vise-a-versa? Let me know how you find affordable accommodation!