Finding Budget Accommodation for Your Road Trip
No matter how long your road trip is, saving money on accommodation allows you to spend it elsewhere, such as on day trips or amazing culinary experiences. One of the biggest challenges is planning in advance, which isn't always easy when you're hoping to hop casually from place to place. With a few sneaky tips, you can save money without placing too many restrictions on your travel plans.
Create a short list of places in the areas you're visiting
You may not want to commit to a litany of firm bookings right now, but you can create a list of options in each place you're visiting to save time on the road. When you do this, you're less likely to hop into the nearest and potentially most expensive option after a tiring drive. While on the road, if you're aware you're going to reach a particular destination, book as far in advance as possible to grab the best rates. In addition, you may want to check out nearby towns or areas just to broaden your options.
Consider cost-friendly options, such as motels and hostels
While hotels come with all the fancy mod cons that make luxury stays exciting, they're not always necessary when you're spending a lot of time exploring local areas. Many hostels and motels now provide the essentials you're seeking from a hotel, such as access to a restaurant and WiFi for staying in touch while away. When you include them as an option, you're likely to save money compared to the cost of a hotel while enjoying the essentials you need for a comfortable stay.
Watch out for big events that push the prices of accommodation up
Whether it's a football match, marathon, or key national holiday, you'll find that the cost of accommodation skyrockets no matter what it's usual price is. Before setting off on your trip, identify which key events are taking place in each area. Keep this list while you're on the road and cross check it before moving on. If there's a big event that's making accommodation more expensive or the local area less accessible, it's worth staying in the previous location until it's over.
With a little forward planning and a careful budget, you can create a road trip that's both cost-friendly and able to meet your expectations in terms of exploration. In addition to making plans, look out for vouchers, ask for group discounts, and see if your proposed accommodation is making seasonal offers.
