The place you stay on your vacation can make or break your vacation budget. Do your research on the city and possible locations as you plan your vacation destination.
Here are 6 things to consider when looking for a place to stay:
Stay with someone you know:
It's a great way to save money and see the town. Don't forget to bring a gift or pay for dinner as a thank you.
Unique lodging options:
Crash on a stranger's couch or exchange homes with someone. Couch surfing is a service where people offer their homes as a place to stay in their city. It's a cheap way to find a place to sleep while you sight see during the day. Home exchange lets you stay in someone else's house while they stay at yours during your vacation. Both services are available online for a yearly fee.
Use travel aggregators for hotels:
Travel aggregators will find you the best price for hotels. Travel sites will find the empty rooms and work with the hotels to negotiate a good price. Look beyond nightly rates said Executive Editor of Smartravel.com Anne Banas to NPR.com. Travel sites usually have deals like "buy two nights and get one free."
Pick your destination by hotels:
Some cities will have cheaper hotel prices than others. Las Vegas added thousands of hotel rooms in 2008 and hotels need the rooms to be filled.
Consider the location of the hotel:
Traveling to see the sites will cost you time and money. Spending a few extra bucks a day on a hotel room will save overall during the visit.
Hotel provided transportation:
You can save money if the hotel has a shuttle that will take you to and from the airport. Some hotels even provide shuttle service to tourist attractions.
Get more tips:
NPR.org: 9 tips to travel cheap
MoneyfortheRestofUs.com: Tips for cheap travel
Is there a lodging tip missing? Share your money saving tip below
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