Accommodation - 11 Clever tips to keep you on budget

Do you have champagne tastes, however the reality is you are on a beer budget? Well, I think that accounts for many of us! Tell me I am not alone! That means that you just need to up the ante!

Discover 11 Clever tips to keep you on budget

Do you see yourself sipping cocktails by the pool? Pictured at Sofitel Noosa QLD

Maybe even get a little LUXE for a lot LESS! Pass me the champagne! (a cocktail will do!) - now we are talking!

1.Book On-line

Sounds simple. You need to be savvy, so get a good understanding of what the market is looking like for the period of time you are wanting to travel. You shall find there are a number of on-line booking services and I personally have used many, however I have really settled on just one - booking.com. There are many reasons why I use their services. They consistently have great prices, but the best attribute is the ease of communication, easy booking, simple website and the number one key factor for me - FLEXIBILITY! I can generally book somewhere and not necessarily have to pay up front (Look carefully at the booking terms). This means on the off-chance that I do find a better deal elsewhere, I can safely cancel without being penalised up until the stated dates in the terms. This is an ENORMOUS bonus. If you become a regular customer, you also start to get GENUIS discounts applied, which is even more savings. The more you travel, the more you save! :)

The range of accommodation on offer is incredible - whether you are looking for HOTELS, ELEGANT OR HIGH END ACCOMMODATION, RESORTS,VILLAS, COTTAGES or BOUTIQUE HOTELS - you will find something that fits into your budget across CITIES and LOCATIONS around the globe!

2. Airbnb

My Airbnb experiences have been nothing short of divine. Airbnb has opened up a world of opportunity to access majestic locations and can also give you a chance to stay in UNIQUE accommodation settings. A great choice particularly if you are wanting a house or larger apartment to accommodate more people or if a solo traveller, seek out booking just one room. The savings using Airbnb can be enormous, particularly if you are able to divvy up the costs with others. I do look carefully though at two things:-

The reviews (and the number they have) as is important to understand what the property/property owner is like.

Airbnb offers you to get into the heart of a location - costing you less! (in the heart of Paris)

The other is LOCATION. Some properties whilst lovely may not be anywhere near to the heart of where you really want to be - thus be sure to understand its exact location and what you want to achieve out of your visit. If you want to be soaking up the atmosphere of Barcelona, listening to sweet Spanish music and sipping a Sangria watching the world go by…. than perhaps you might want to choose an Airbnb option to stay right near or on Las Rambla!

Some Airbnb’s might have other things there for you and the family to help you enjoy your holiday - e.g. surfboards, boogie boards, bicycles/tandem bikes, a welcome fruit/wine pack etc. so this might save you money too. Take a close look at what is being offered as a package.

Tandem Bikes supplied at our Airbnb - Cruising Venice Beach

Just one thing to note, I love Airbnb and its concept. This has enabled me to travel and keep on budget, however some cities or territories are wanting to regulate short term accommodation to tourists, so be aware of where you are visiting and any government restrictions that may impact your dream holiday.

3. Book directly with the hotel

Well that might seem obvious! I do this on occasion. However, I mostly use booking.com. I may phone the hotel directly to check if they are able to add any other BENEFITS by booking directly (e.g. a better price, free breakfast, free parking on site etc.) Do your research to understand what is being offered on-line at the time. Dependant on what events are happening in the city/or place at the time, or the season (e.g Peak), you may get a better deal than what is offered on-line. Worth the ask!

Bellagio - Vegas (Check out how to save $ in Las Vegas) - What happens in Las Vegas doesn't need to stay in Vegas)

4. Take a look at your points!

If you have any card that offers reward points, take a look at how many you have accumulated. Maybe you travel a lot for work, building points with each trip and have been too busy to take note! Friends of mine spent a romantic night away in the city at a 5 star hotel the other night - ALL ON POINTS! I never accumulate points too long - always a little too eager for the next trip! Just spent my Virgin Velocity Points getting me to the next exciting adventure and only contributed $30 to get there! Wait until you see where we are going!

5. Luxury Accommodation at Low Prices

The allure of the most exotic destinations (both locally and internationally) is sent directly to my inbox daily. Makes me simply want to take a screen dive, plunging into new and past destinations. Let me share an example with you. On a recent holiday to New Zealand, I was booked to stay locally in a small 1 bedroom apartment with roll out bed for our son. LUXURY ESCAPES offered a deal at a 5 star hotel that was $50 less than the apartment, a $50 dining voucher and 20% off meals.

Can’t believe this is the only photo I took at the Hilton (Taupo, New Zealand) thermal heated pools - must have been enjoying too much to take pics!

The Hilton in Taupo was majestic, set high into the hillside, beautifully appointed rooms, thermal heated pools and spa for dipping into during the cold spring season. The restaurant served incredible food and wine, adorned with leather lounges and roaring fireplace. This all costing $100 less than us staying in a 3 star apartment! The only difference was this was a little outside of the main town area, however we had a rental car so made no difference to us in terms of travel and where we wanted to be. If you are looking for luxury vacation accommodation, then be sure to check out the Luxury Escapes site for yourself.

6. Groupon Deals

Groupon also offers great accommodation deals - RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast - look at that view over the golf course!

Groupon is a company that offers deals and coupons on virtually anything! Travel, Dining, Entertainment, Fitness, Gifts, Tickets, etc. There are many similar companies that also offer similar deals and coupons. I have probably tried them all! Again I think it comes down to preference, but the number one reason I use Groupon is it is a brand that I TRUST and can rely on. I have heard of some people having some unpleasant or difficult experiences with purchasing deals or coupons, however I have never had a one when using Groupon. I use it quite a lot for dining and activities. I do specifically look ahead for what deals might be on offer for any place that I am visiting. Groupon also offer great accommodation deals - both locally and internationally. I love to look for what they have on offer locally. (Note: always check the fine print to ensure that you are aware of any restrictions or blackout periods)

7. Last Minute Bookings

Sometimes you can jag this! Others times might be harder - really depends on the season and the availability. If your heart will not be broken by not going on a holiday, then booking as late as possible may work in your favour. You are going out on a limb to see if you can jag any great last minute deals at heavily reduced prices. I have been able to do this on occasion for Christmas or New Years eve period which are typically very overpriced. It does require you to hunt down the deal. Places will offer rooms back up on-line if they have had last minute cancellations. Still worth the look if you are sitting at home and wanting to taste a little adventure!

Our recent trip to Bryon Bay NSW was booked last minute (my girls taking in the scenery!) Magic weather - perfect location!

8. Book an All Inclusive Deal

Some tour operators offer great deals that also include your flights, meals and activities. For Australians, flying from Australia to any international destination is by far, half the battle, so if you can muster a deal that includes flights then this is such a bonus. Trip a Deal is a Travel site that offers unique travel deals at the Lowest prices. The deals in particular that I would be looking for are a 2 for the price of 1.

Hong Kong - The Peak (Victoria Peak)

This will help in keeping your accommodation costs in budget! If you are a couple or travelling with a friend, this represents such great value. The accommodation may be 3 or 4 star so read the fine print to see what is offered. Also, it has a balance of ‘free days’ combined with days that are with paid meals and activities. Check it out!

9. Book a Cruise

So you are wondering how you save on accommodation? The benefit of a cruise is that it is all inclusive! It is your transport, your restaurant, your entertainment, your bar, your lounge, your dance floor and your bed for the night! Find a 5 star Cruise liner like Royal Caribbean and you will also be lapping up luxury. Add up all the costs associated with your travels and you will be hard pressed to find something that represents such great value. Check out my blog - 9 Reasons Cruises are the Ultimate Mum-Cation and upcoming blog on how to Cruise the world for the lowest prices.

Cruises are a great way to save! Check out 9 Reasons why cruises are the Ultimate Mum-Cation!

10. Get to the Local Travel Expo

I have been to a number of Travel Expo’s - great advice, great ideas and of course, gets you in the zone to make it happen! Often when you book on the day you can get incredible deals either on flights or accommodation, which has been my experience. I booked a (local) holiday for my daughter and boyfriend at a luxurious 5 star hotel - Palazzo Versace at the Gold Coast. It included a huge number of extra’s such as upgraded room, buffet breakfast, discounts for dining, bottle of wine on arrival etc. The cost for this was INCREDIBLY DISCOUNTED at the expo - I almost thought it was a mistake! They saved well over $2500 for a 5 day stay, paying a few hundred dollars each instead. They both agreed, it was a magical travel experience that neither would forget. So next time a Travel Expo is in town - take a look! Anyone who has ever stayed at the Palazzo Versace will agree it is a stunning place.

11. Loyalty Membership Programs

The Tourism industry is extremely competitive, even more so in today’s market. The negative or positive travel experience placed on social media or on Trip Advisor can significantly impact a company either way, thus incredibly important that companies are looking to innovative ways to promote wonderful travel experiences with them. A loyalty program is a great way to show this initiative. Some loyalty programs are simply a free sign up, whereas others may require you to invest a small amount of money in return for a perceived value of goods and services through a hotel chain. I have always used a free sign up to services - who wouldn’t want a free welcome beverage or 20% off dining if you are dining at the hotel restaurant!? I am currently trialling a paid membership to see if I really get value from this. Keep posted for upcoming blogs as will give you feedback on the value for you. More to come!

Dined at Terraces Restaurant - Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast -using Club Marriott card and welcome pack - cost $21 per person for full buffet breakfast!! - Value plus! Check out the devine outlook! Heavenly! Very special indeed.

Now that I have given you some ideas on how to find accommodation within your budget - combine that with 10 Great Tips to get you Flying Faster to your Dream Destination! for travel tips on how to make your travel dream a reality.

Flying to Hamilton Island - Check out blog - Why did Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran choose this place for an Exotic Party Destination!

Leave a comment and share your dream accommodation experiences!

Happy Champagne Travels…

Cheers!

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