April has been a slow month for travel in most places. Domestic travel will be the priority in the next two years, while international travel will take a backseat until 2020. People are too worried about their own countries to travel. The recession has hit hotels even harder than other industries, as they depend on the cash they make from their guests to stay in business. To survive, hotels must remain agile and stay afloat. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to book cheap hotels in the U.S.
Budget accommodations
While you can stay in a cheap hotel, you don’t always get what you’re looking for. Cheap dormitory rooms and shared bathrooms aren’t ideal for privacy, and you might have to share a bathroom with other guests. If you’re traveling alone or with friends, consider the kind of budget accommodations you’re looking for before choosing your stay. In the developing world, however, you’ll find that a cheap hostel will be the best choice.
Getting cheap hotel rooms can be done by booking early. Try to book non-refundable rates to get the best price. Most hotels have a loyalty program, so booking through them can help you save money. If you’re backpacking for months, try to bargain and find cheaper accommodation. House sitting and Couchsurfing are also great options. You can also try to book rooms that don’t require reservations. And when it comes to Southeast Asia, try to negotiate and use no reservations to score cheap accommodation.
Bed and breakfasts
When traveling on a budget, bed and breakfasts are the perfect option. These accommodations are generally located in elegant historic homes with period decorations and a theme throughout. These accommodations offer a sense of comfort and quiet, and you can get to know the host. They can make dinner reservations, help you find restaurants and provide afternoon tea. They will also provide delicious breakfasts for guests. Travelers who have a busy schedule or wish to take their vacations slowly may want to book a cabin or lodge in order to enjoy their experience.
The vast majority of B&B guests are leisure travelers. They choose this type of lodging because of its personalised service, location, value for money, and atmosphere. A B&B is different from a large hotel, and the owners are as individual as the inns themselves. When choosing a bed and breakfast, check the website’s quality. Make sure to look for a website with a calendar of availability, toll-free phone service, and ample, easy-to-navigate information.
Guesthouses
When traveling abroad, you may want to consider staying at guest houses rather than a hotel. Guest houses are less commercial and structured than hotels, and their rules tend to be more flexible, making them an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience local life. Guest houses are often family-run establishments, so the owners may be involved in the daily tasks of the home. In some cases, they may even provide fresh eggs, vegetables, and water from a spring on the property.
Some guest houses offer breakfast included in the nightly rate, as opposed to a standard hotel. Other guest houses offer continental or a la carte breakfasts, or even serve locally-sourced cuisine. Guest houses often have kitchens and may even organize special drink and happy hours for travelers. Depending on the size of the guest house, you may have to share a bathroom with other guests, but you should still pack only the essentials.
Airbnb
If you’re on a budget, consider using Airbnb instead of a hotel. Booking a whole house instead of several hotel rooms is often much cheaper than renting a few individual rooms. You can split the costs of the vacation rental between several travelers, making it an ideal option for any trip. This article covers some of the benefits of Airbnb for travel and hotels. Learn more about this service to get the most out of it. You can even save money on your next vacation by renting a whole house instead of several hotel rooms.