Renting a place in a dormitory or hostel can significantly save on travel costs
1. Learn about satellite cities
If you are planning a trip to a big city, explore housing in the outskirts. For example, prices for Munich hotels are unreasonably high. But in the neighboring town of Erding, you can rent a room for half the price. Getting to Munich by suburban train is easy. So the choice is yours!
2. Avoid the city center
Living on the seashore or in the historic center is certainly an enviable dream. But it costs significantly more than similar options located a little further away. Moreover, central areas usually have a concentration of various cafes, restaurants, and bars. So you can forget about a quiet and peaceful rest. But in residential areas, it is easy to find cozy and budget-friendly housing.
3. Choose dormitories and hostels
It is well known that staying in a hostel has long ceased to be a 'youth option' and is in demand even among experienced travelers. In the countries of the former Soviet Union, dormitories have begun to successfully compete with hostels. For example, some offer budget accommodation in hotel-type dormitories located near metro stations in the capital. Affordable prices attract not only migrant workers but also tourists who decide to save on accommodation.
4. Booking online is cheaper!
There are several ways to book cheaply via the Internet. Choose a suitable hotel through Yandex, Google, or other search engines. Find the website of the hotel you like and compare prices. Perhaps on the hotel's website directly you can book a room cheaper.
Familiarize yourself with the booking conditions. Often tourists are offered two options: a more expensive one (includes the possibility of free cancellation) and a cheaper one (imposes a ban on cancellation or imposes a fine). If you took the option with free cancellation, a couple of days before the free cancellation deadline, check on the website where you booked if there are any cheaper options left. Then you can choose new accommodation by canceling the old reservation for free. But when visiting a visa country, it is better not to do this, otherwise the embassy may cancel your visa.
5. Choose apartments
Are you traveling with a large group, have children with you, and want to save on food? Consider apartments as an option instead of a hotel. These could be a private apartment, a mini-hotel, a cottage complex. Be sure to ask if there is access to a kitchen where you can cook yourself. Also find out what dishes and appliances you will be given to use.
6. First thing – reconnaissance
In some countries, renting accommodation directly on the spot is much more profitable (for example, in Asia during the 'dead' tourist season). You can book a room for one night via the Internet, and upon arrival choose a hotel you like. But first, make sure that there will be few other tourists. Otherwise, you risk being left without a roof over your head!