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Heads up: some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you click and make a booking or purchase, I’ll make a commission (at no extra cost to you). I partner with companies I personally use and the $$ goes towards creating more awesome, free travel content.
If you’re looking for accommodation while travelling there are so many companies to choose from and which website you choose largely depends on the type of place you want to stay. Do you want to stay in a home-away-from-home, like an AirBnB? Or would you prefer all the amenities that come with a big hotel? Do you need a large villa rental to accommodate a ton of friends, or are you travelling alone and happy with a hostel dorm?
Whatever sort of lodging you’re looking for, from apartments and villas to hotels and luxury resorts, I think we can all agree that price is an important factor. No matter what your budget, we all enjoy saving money on accommodation.
To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of travel companies that I know and love.
When it comes to hotels it’s sometimes a good idea to call the hotel up yourself and see if you can get a cheap room rate. Otherwise, read on for the best hotel search engines:
Booking.com – I use Booking.com quite a lot but when using this site, you must be aware that the taxes and fees aren’t included. I booked a hotel in New York which seemed rather affordable, but when I paid the bill at the end I had to pay over $100 in additional resort fees and taxes. Still, it’s a great website for finding some cheap hotel deals. What I love about Booking.com is that you can often cancel your stay up to 24 hours before your trip, just make sure you read the terms before you click book.
Hotels.com – The best thing about Hotels.com is that they offer a loyalty program, so if you book 10 nights you get one free. Sign up to their membership scheme and you also get secret prices on selected hotels.
Trivago – Trivago is a price comparison site that lets you find the cheapest deals across a bunch of different hotel websites. I always cross-check prices with this website to see if I can get my hotel cheaper on a different booking site.
Hotel Tonight – Hotel Tonight is actually an app that lets you get great last minute deals on hotel stays. The interface is really easy to use and the hotels are always of good quality. Great if you don’t mind booking last minute.
Private Upgrades – Private Upgrades allows you to book luxury hotels with perks, benefits and promotions including instant upgrades, flexible check-in and check-out times, free nights, transfers and more.
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds in your accommodation, a spacious suite with resort amenities, timeshare rentals are the perfect choice. They can also be less expensive than a week at a hotel room, so they are viable options for those on a budget as well as luxury seekers.
Timeshare-Resale-Rental.com – By using this site, you can find amazing deals on weekly timeshare rentals offered through private owners. Timeshares are found within high-end resorts in the most popular vacation destinations in the world, and by renting a timeshare you’ll gain access to suites, villas, and condos chock full of amenities. You’ll typically be able to enjoy a full kitchen, spacious living room, private balcony and more, while the resorts themselves offer guests on-site pools, restaurants, nightly entertainment, spas, exercise facilities, as well as many other activities and conveniences. Timeshare resort brands include Marriott, Wyndham, Disney, and Hyatt, so you can expect the same great services and comforts these world famous brands are known for, without having to break the bank.
If you want an affordable place to stay that has a more homely vibe, then booking an apartment rental might be the more appropriate option for you.
Air BnB – Air BnB has become the most famous apartment rental website, with people all over the world choosing to rent our their rooms or entire homes. Often hosts will do their utmost to make you feel at home, offering things like maps and information about the city you’re in.
Roomorama – Roomorama is another apartment rental website I’ve used before, although I would say it isn’t quite as widely used as Air BnB and I find the properties on here a little more expensive. Still, the quality is high and it’s always worth looking on here.
Hostelworld and Hostelbookers are now owned by the same people, so it doesn’t really matter which site you choose. Both these sites will allow you to search Hostels around the world, so they’re great if you’re travelling on a budget and you need a cheap place to stay.
The great thing about hostels is that it’s easy to meet people if you’re travelling alone, plus they are getting more and more luxurious. Check out my friend Kash’s book – the luxury hostels of Europe, if you’re looking for a plush place to stay.
There are so many accommodation websites out there that I usually spend some time comparing prices and options before I go away. All of the above companies are reputable and will help you to find a stylish place to stay without breaking the bank!
