3 Tricks to Squeeze the Most Out of Your Holiday Accommodation Expenses

Date Publish: Feb 17, 2015

With the little amount of time you get for leisure breaks, it's understandable that you want to get the most out of them. This is why you often choose to travel and see as much of the world as possible. The caveat is that travel doesn't come cheap, especially since hotels alone eat up nearly a third of your holiday budget. Almost always, a holidaymaker aims to cut back on accommodation expenses without scrimping on quality. If you want to do the same, you’re in the right place.

Luckily, finding an affordable place to stay is possible. In fact, there are varied options out there that don’t involve sacrificing the creature comforts you're used to, such as having an en suite bathroom. So, if you're planning yet another trip within the region or overseas, here are some tricks that can help you find the best value for your money:

1. Think beyond the hotel room

When you're staying at five-star hotels, most of the time, you're paying more for the brand than the level of service you're getting. At least, that is so if you don't know how to get the most out of a luxury hotel . But since your goal is to save some bucks, consider other options like boutique guesthouses and B&Bs, which offer pretty much the same amenities and services for less.

Although they don't offer concierge services, the owner will be more than happy to suggest good places to eat, book car rentals for you and give directions to the best tourist spots in the area - free! What's more, some establishments offer wonderful.

If you’re travelling specifically to Whangamata, stay at Kotuku Homestay B&B . We provide Wi-Fi and parking space free of charge. Unlike some hotels, we provide delicious home-made breakfast cooked with ingredients sourced from the local market. If this sounds great to you, book one of our rooms.

Now, if you’re heading to other places, here are some B&Bs:

• www.stoneflylodge.co.nz - they provide a luxury lodge located near Abel Tasman National Park in NZ that serves as a private retreat and a perfect base for fly fishing and other outdoor activities.
• Armadale Cottage Bed and Breakfast - this 4-star boutique B&B is perfect if you're seeking a luxury retreat in Perth.
• www.toprooms.com - if you're travelling to the UK, you can use this site to find inns, guesthouses and farmhouses in some of the most idyllic destinations in the country.
• Sicily Apartment at www.sicily4u.co.uk - By logging on the the website, you'll be able to find holiday accommodation in the said place.

2. Think global, stay local

Fancy living like a local? Look for private residences, like villas, farmhouses and manors, for rent. If you're planning on extended stays or you're travelling with your family or a bunch of friends, renting out a holiday home is a great way to save. Because you can cook your own food, you no longer have to pay for expensive restaurant meals. And since you stay near local villages, you can easily ask for directions when exploring the area to find beautiful unspoilt sites. As a note, be sure you are comfortable with the terms offered by the owner.

Here are some good places to begin your search for accommodation:

• http://canibiza.com/ - here, you'll find a wide selection of tastefully decorated, luxury villas in one of the most famous islands of the Mediterranean.

• www.pranaresorts.com - if you're visiting the beautiful beaches of Prana in Thailand, you can use this site to find the best deals on villas and resorts.

• Nasa Vegas Hotel near Suvarnabhumi Airport - clean rooms, accessible, offers high quality service; definitely one of the best choices in the city.

• The Library Private Resort in Samui - make your beach holiday relaxing and comfortable by staying at a private resort.

• Grand Swiss Hotel near Terminal 21 - very accessible accommodation in Bangkok offering high quality of service and convenience.

3. Look for packages

Chances are you'll get a better deal with a holiday package. Although you will rarely use the free parking or the hotel breakfast they offer, you'll still come out ahead. This is because travel agencies work alongside airlines and accommodation providers, allowing them to offer great bargains at cost-effective rates.

If you’re interested with travel packages, plan your next trip with these companies:

• Apollo in New Zealand - campervans and motorhomes for rent for a self drive escape are provided here.
• Simply St Lucia Luxury Holiday - provides the best prices on all-inclusive holidays to one of the most stunning islands in the Caribbean.
• Stay South Luxury Apartments Queenstown - offers a range of brand new stylish apartments - from spacious two-bedroom apartments to expansive six-bedroom units.
• Merimbula Marina whale watching in NSW – offers three-and-a-half hour cruises that let you get up close and personal with humpback whales.
• omegarentalcars.com Auckland - offers great deals and discounts for the rental vehicle to use on your holiday.

With all you have saved from being frugal, it doesn't hurt to splurge every now and then. A shopping spree or an adventure-filled itinerary can make your holiday truly memorable, which means time well spent.