Ultimate Travel Lodging Guide: Stories and Tips for Every Budget

Accommodations are a significant expense on any vacation, but you don’t have to break the bank to find a comfortable place to stay. Depending on when you go, you may find great deals on lodging if you plan accordingly. 

Let me share some personal experiences. I used to travel without reservations. Wandering from city to city in Europe, Asia, South America, and India at that time was relatively ramshackle; things were cheaper, and fewer people could afford to travel for fun, so there was less competition for budget rooms. I could make itinerary decisions on the fly, show up in a new town, browse a handful of lodging choices, and pick affordable, perfectly acceptable rooms. There’s only one place in India where this go-with-the-flow did not work out for me. No rooms were available, and the entire city of Bangalore was booked. It is a long story, but it has a happy ending. But we’ll get to that story later. Once, I met a few European and American travelers while traveling alone in India. We were all traveling to Hampi, so we decided to go together. We found only one small hotel, and no rooms were available when we arrived. However, they offered to let us stay on the rooftop! We camped out on the roof and paid $1 a night—to this day, I’ll still brag about that deal!

Solo Travel

If you travel solo or during the low season to less-crowded destinations, there is room for spontaneity. Book your lodging as you go! However, plan and make the reservations beforehand if traveling with family or a group. If you’re planning to travel during peak season, such as a visit to Europe during the summer, booking accommodations in advance for the first few nights is a good idea. This strategy helps you avoid the stress of finding a room while you’re still jet-lagged and also ensures you start your trip on a comfortable note. After your initial stay, you can book your next hotel once you have a more precise itinerary. Secure a room in the morning to ensure you have a place to stay that night; this way, you can enjoy your day of sightseeing and travel with peace of mind.

Your neighborhood choice, especially in a bustling city like Rome, is a crucial factor that can dramatically influence your overall travel experience. A little research can go a long way toward finding the perfect location. What are your interests? If you travel with kids, find places they want to visit. Do you want to stay where all the main attractions are within walking distance? Check out a guidebook from your local library and see what aligns with your travel philosophy. Or check out travel blogs and review sites offering firsthand insights and experiences. 

Family Travel or Group Travel

If you’re traveling with your family or a group, a vacation rental, Airbnb, or VRBO may be more cost-effective. However, I read the fine print and asked questions. I booked an Airbnb when we spent four nights in Dubrovnik. The rental description stated it is a “10-minute walk from the Old Town and has a terrace with a great view.” Although we had a fantastic view overlooking Lokrum Island, the 10-minute walk was a bit of a stretch. The Airbnb was on the western wall above the Old Town, and going up and down the steep, near-vertical stairs got old after the first day. It was tiring then, but it was a fun story in retrospect!

In addition to standard booking methods, some websites, like HotelTonight, specialize in last-minute rooms. You can also ask your current hosts for recommendations on accommodations at your next destination. They may even call around to check availability. The best time to contact your next hotel is around 9 or 10 a.m., when the receptionist will know who is checking out and which rooms are available.

Most places, especially Europe, provide diverse accommodation options, including hotels (ranging from small to large and simple to luxurious), cozy bed and breakfasts, distinctive guest houses, budget-friendly hostels, and rental apartments. Additionally, you can find unique accommodations such as monasteries, campgrounds, house swaps, airport sofas, and even free couches (if you look hard enough!). No matter your preference, there’s likely a perfect home away from home for you. While Europe is no longer exclusively a budget backpacker’s paradise, budget-conscious travelers can still access thousands of hostels offering inexpensive beds where you can share a room with others for, on average, less than $50 per night.

Short-term vacation rentals

Apartments, houses, or rooms in private residences are popular alternatives to hotels, especially for families or groups planning to stay in one location for several nights. Rental choices range from French gîtes and Tuscan villas to big-city apartments and basic rooms in a local’s home. Rentals often offer comparable or even cheaper options than hotels with similar amenities. Opting for a rental gives you an authentic experience, but it’s only for some. You will usually handle most logistics independently in rentals, as the property owner or manager may provide limited support. If you prefer daily amenities like fresh towels and breakfast served to you, a hotel may be a better choice. Rentals often require longer booking commitments and offer limited cancellation flexibility.

Hostels

Don’t hesitate to consider “youth” hostels because you’re older than their typical clientele. As long as you’re alive, you’re young enough to stay in a hostel anywhere in the world, as most hostels do not enforce age limits. Many seniors and families are discovering the benefits of hosteling. Hosteling can be a cost-effective way to travel and cater to various age groups if you are okay with communal living and dorm-style accommodations. Access to a kitchen can also help reduce your food budget. Many travelers, including solo older adventurers, appreciate hostels for the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers worldwide. 

Hosteling embraces a communal and affordable approach to accommodation, allowing guests to experience an immersive stay with a community of potential friends while appealing to travelers on a tight budget. Hostels are also ideal for families wanting to share a larger room and cook meals, allowing them to enjoy cost savings on groceries.