How We Save Money on Accommodation While Traveling

Travel tips

May 4

How to safe on accomodation with cheap Hotel rooms.

Tired of overpriced hotels eating up your travel budget? In this guide we show you how to save on accommodation without sacrificing comfort or location.

Over the years of traveling full-time, we’ve learned that where you stay can make or break your trip—not just financially, but also in terms of experience. While we love finding great deals, we’re not fans of noisy bunk beds or dodgy locations just to save a few bucks. That’s why we’ve figured out how to book smart: keeping costs low without giving up what matters most—peaceful sleep, a good location, and the occasional cozy upgrade when it’s worth it.

Booking Websites & Deals

We usually find the best budget stays on platforms like Booking.com, Agoda or Airbnb. They make it easy to compare prices, locations, and amenities all in one place. We focus on reviews and ratings from other travelers to make sure we’re getting good value. To save even more, we often take advantage of seasonal discounts, special promotions, or last-minute deals.

READ | Learn more about how we plan our trips step-by-step

SET A BUDGET

We search for the best deals that match our expectations and budget. We have a budget set per night and use the price filter and use our judgment to pick stays with either the best reviews or locations. If you are traveling on a budget, we advice you to search the average price per stays per destination and use it as a reference to set a budget for your trip.

Hostels

Hostels are a classic choice—especially for solo travelers. We’ve stayed in countless hostels over the years and totally get the appeal. They’re usually very budget-friendly, and the atmosphere can be amazing. You get to meet fellow travelers, join hostel-organized events or tours, and tap into the local knowledge of the staff, who often have the best recommendations.

Hostels come in all shapes and sizes—from basic backpacker spots to stylish, modern places with great amenities like shared kitchens, lounges, or even pools. We’re always looking up beds in Hostelworld, as it has the biggest selection of hostels in every country.

As a couple, we’ve found that private rooms in hostels are sometimes more expensive than budget guesthouses or hotels, mostly because you’re paying for the experience and communal extras. Still, for the right vibe and location, it can be worth it.

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Guesthouses & Pensions

In some countries like Sri Lanka or India, most budget accommodations are at homestays. You can book them through the regular booking websites such as Booking.com or Agoda. We absolutely love homestays often they have a homemade breakfast included. Guesthouses offer a more authentic experience at a lower price than hotels. They are not luxurious, but some can be really pretty and we have had great experiences.

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Couchsurfing

We haven’t had experienced it personally, but know friends that have. Couchsurfing is probably one of the cheapest and budget-friendly way to travel by staying with locals who offer a couch or a spare room. You have the opportunity to meet new people, learn about the culture and save money on accommodation. Check availability on couchsurfing.com.

Camping

In some countries and locations, camping is permitted, though it’s can be only allowed at paid campsites. It’s a budget-friendly way to stay outdoors and take in stunning scenery. Many national parks and rural areas offer campsites at a fraction of the cost of a hotel, and in some places, camping is even completely free.

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