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22 Cheap Travel Hacks You Can Use Right Now

Home » Blog » Travel Tips » 22 Cheap Travel Hacks You Can Use Right Now

If you dream of traveling but don’t know how you can afford it, you’ve come to the right place! We’re sharing all our cheap travel tips that have allowed us to explore the world, even while paying off student loans! This guide will explain exactly how you can afford travel, even if you’re broke right now.

If you dream of traveling full time but are wondering how the heck people afford it, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve been traveling the world for the last 4 years while paying (lots!) of student loans at the same time.

And no; we don’t come from wealthy families & we didn’t win the lottery.

This has forced us to get creative and learn the best hacks for traveling the world on a super tight budget!

It is our passion to share these cheap travel hacks with others so we can prove that travel does not have to be expensive, and you don’t need to be rich to go on the vacations of your dreams. If we can do it, you can too!

We will go through these tips with you one by one and show you exactly how to travel on a budget like us.  

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1. become good at saving money.

It’s a constant learning process, but we’ve been able save quite a bit of money over the years that we use to fund our travels, save for the future and just pay for life… ya know, like eating food and buying toothpaste and stuff.

We’ve got all sorts of tips and tricks that have helped us save enough money to travel extensively and live out of our backpacks (on and off) for 3 years. We’ve put together all of our money-saving advice in one article and hope you can use our hacks to save up for whatever your dream may be

2. Be a master budgeter

No matter if we’re going on a weekend camping trip or a year-long, round-the-world adventure, we always, ALWAYS create a budget. If you don’t set an expectation of how much you’re going to spend, you’re almost guaranteed to overspend.

Sometimes our budget is tight, and other times, we decide that we’ll travel a little more luxuriously. Setting a budget doesn’t mean it has to be a low budget. Heck, you could set a budget of $1,000 USD a day if you’d like. The important part is to know your limits. 

Creating a budget can actually be pretty simple and fun. Follow along as we show you exactly how we make a fail-safe travel budget .

3. Find Cheap Flights

You can find amazing deals on flights if you know a few tricks. While there isn’t an exact science that works every time, there are a few ways you can find great deals on flights !

Track your flights

The best way to get a incredible deal is to monitor it frequently.  Sign up for newsletters, like Thrifty Traveler and Dollar Flight Club , or join Facebook Groups like Airfare Watchdog . These programs will let you know the best deals right now and will let you in on mistake fares. For example, we recently saw a round trip flight from LA to Hawaii for just over $300! Say whaaaat?!

Do the research

We usually start with Skyscanner because we love the fact that you can see the cheapest days each month to fly. Once we have a flight in mind, we compare the price with other search engines like Kayak and Google Flights.

4. Choose Cheap Countries

A budget of $5,000 will mean very different things depending on where in the world you plan to travel. In Western Europe, for instance, it might get you 1 month, where in South America you could spend 3 months traveling. And if you bring that amount to India, you could stretch it out to 5 months.

If your goal is to travel longer, choose countries where your money will last longer. Simple.

We typically choose countries where we can travel for less than $70 per day between the two of us because we know we can travel longer. (Plus, many of the places we’re interested in just happen to be inexpensive to travel.)

If you do choose expensive countries, PLAN it out

We have traveled to some infamously expensive places (like Iceland and Japan ), and we’re so glad we didn’t rule them out because of money.

You’ll need to do a lot more planning for expensive countries than you would if you’re visiting a cheap countries. Think about how you can save money: Will you be able to cook? What is the cheapest mode of transportation? And think outside of the box when it comes to accommodation. (Hint: read the rest of this article for all the answers to those questions. 

For some budget-minded wanderlust inspiration, find out how we traveled in these notoriously expensive places without breaking the bank:

Galápagos: How to Travel the Galápagos on a Budget

Iceland: Money-Saving Tips for Traveling Iceland on a Budget

Japan: Travel Budget for One Week in Japan

5. Pick the right travel season

Even for cheap countries to travel in, you need to think about the time of year you’ll be visiting because that can really affect your budget.

Croatia in July will be packed with tourists and you’ll be paying top dollar because it’s peak season (we made that mistake). But in October, you’ll still have nice weather and cheaper prices. If there’s a more expensive country you really want to visit, try traveling during low or shoulder season for the best deals.

6. Keep track of all your expenses (yes, ALL of them!)

We track every single thing we spend money on while traveling.

And when we say “everything”, we mean everything: accommodation, food, transportation, tours, entrance fees, beers, and yes, even that woven bracelet we bought from a small child that was too cute to resist.

It may sound extreme, but it is the best way to stay on top of a tight budget, and after a while it becomes a habit. There was one month we realized just how much money we were spending on ice cream, and let’s just say that we tried to cut down on that habit a bit…

There are plenty of apps out there to keep track of your budget so make sure you try out a few and pick one that works for you.

7. Get the Best Travel Credit Cards

Never pay an ATM fee again. That’s right, NO ATM fees anywhere in the world! We are seriously obsessed with this card (and it’s not a credit card), so get ready for our ravings…

The Charles Schwab High Yield Investors Checking Account debit card is a must for any serious traveler because it’s free to set up, there are no annual fees, and they reimburse ALL ATM fees at the end of each month.

Whenever we enter a new country, we take out the local currency at an ATM. We’ve found this to be more reliable than currency exchangers (some can really rip you off!), and more convenient than bringing currency from home. Some months we’ve been reimbursed as much as $50. This card has seriously saved us hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars.

Tip: Be sure to take a picture of each ATM receipt so you have a record of the amount that your should be reimbursed.

The Travel Credit Cards we use:

We’re going to go over exactly which cards we actually use, as well as the reasons we love them.

Caution: The cards we use might not be the best choice for you, especially if you are just starting out with credit cards. Also, remember there are two of us. Some of these cards, we EACH have, while others only one of us has.

American Express Platinum – Great for: Lounge access, Uber credit, extra airline perks, sign up bonus

Chase Sapphire Preferred – Great for: Sign up bonus, Extra bonus for using miles when purchasing travel (If you have great credit, you should apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve which is the elite version of the Preferred.)

Capital One Venture – Great for: Everyday card, good sign up bonus, easy to use miles

Barclays Arrival Plus – Great for: Great sign up bonus, easy to use miles, similar to Capital One Venture

8. Pack Light and Pack Right

We have certainly been guilty of over-packing in the past and we’d lug around extra clothes we never wore. The luggage fees that many airlines have started enforcing made us simplify our packing list so it’s down to the essentials.

Carrying less makes us feel more free, plus, packing light means you can carry on your luggage and you won’t have to pay those pesky baggage fees, which can add up if you have multiple flights.

Find out How to Pack Everything You Need for Travel in a Carry-On , where we share all our packing tips and the best gear we can’t travel without. 

Related: Eco-friendly travel gear you can take anywhere that will save you money

9. Watch what you eat

Food can add up while traveling since you’ll likely be eating out lots of the time. Here are some tips for finding cheap (and delicious!) food on your travels:

Go to happy hour:  Order drinks and appetizers on discount for a fun dinner!

Try street food: It’s often the best (and most authentic!) food you’ll find on  your travels. Pro Tip: If you’re nervous about sanitation, choose stalls that have a line because you’ll know the food is not sitting for long.

Ask locals where they eat:  Try asking, “Where do you eat for lunch?” or “If you were to go out to eat, where would you go?” instead of saying, “Which restaurant do you recommend I try?” Sometimes when asked this last question, they’ll point you in the direction of restaurants that are popular with tourists instead of locals because they may assume that’s what you want.

Pack a picnic: In expensive places, picnics are a great way to save money on food. Stock up with staples like bread, cheese, veggies, hummus, fruit, cookies, wine(!) and whatever else your heart (or tummy!) desires. Enjoy your meal with a view and save the leftovers for the next day!

Split your meals: Whenever possible, try to split with others. Oh, and Ben and I split a lot. Typically we get two meals, but if we want a smoothie or a dessert, we’ll only order one. When you’re trying to save money (and you’re part of a couple), it just doesn’t make sense to ALWAYS get two $4 ice cream cones. At least, this is what I try to convince myself…

Have a big lunch:  Make lunch your biggest meal of the day when prices are often lower for the same dish than at dinner time.

Know which restaurants to avoid: Stay away from restaurants where someone is calling you inside. This is a sure sign of a tourist-trap restaurant where prices are inflated and food is mediocre. Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions or on main city streets. They pay higher rent, which is reflected in the prices of their food.

10. Take Public Transport

Avoid taxis and chartered vehicles. Instead, take public transportation — metros, buses and trains. Not only will you rub shoulders with locals and have a more authentic experience, but your wallet will thank you. Renting a bike is also a good way to explore a city and it’s usually cheaper than taking taxis.

Pro Tip: Research what apps are popular for transportation in the country you’re visiting. In much of Asia, for example, Grab is a cheaper alternative to Uber. And in Europe, try using BlaBlaCar – a ride sharing app.

11. Take advantage of free activities

No matter how expensive a country you’re visiting, there are always free things to do! Try searching Google for ideas: “free things to do in __________”. Here are some of our favorite free (or cheap!) things to do in any place we visit around the world:

Take a free walking tour

Explore local markets

Rent a bike and see the city

Have a picnic at a park

Explore free museums

Go on a hike

Get a killer view at a rooftop bar or tall building instead of paying the steep prices of the popular tourist views

12. Talk to Locals

Don’t be shy: ask the locals what they do on the weekend. Ask the man next to you on the bus or your waitress or a stranger in front of you in line at a coffee shop. You’ll get a good idea of authentic ways to see their city, and much of the time their suggestions will be cheaper than the touristy alternatives.

13. Cook whenever possible

In Europe and South America, we typically stayed at places with kitchens and were able to cook many of our meals, which saved us tons of money.

In our 5 months traveling Asia, however, we never once had access to a kitchen ( except for when we took cooking classes, of course! ). And it was fine because food there – especially the local stuff – is so cheap that cooking wouldn’t have been any less expensive.

14. Choose your splurges wisely

If you’re traveling for a long time, you can’t do it all. You need to choose what experiences are important to you, and you’ll also need to get comfortable passing on some things.

Splurging on once-in-a-lifetime experiences ( like taking a hot air balloon ride in Turkey!  or whale watching in Victoria, British Columbia ) is part of traveling. You’ll regret it if you don’t. But choose your splurges wisely and know when to pass. Your budget will balance itself out.

Trust us… we know about splurging all too well. We’re obsessed with eating (everything!), we usually spend a little more money on comfortable accommodation, and we can’t resist adventure sports.

But we cut costs in other ways and pass on things that we know we know we won’t regret.

15. Find Deals on Hotels

Accommodation adds up quickly and can often be the biggest expense while traveling, but there are ways to cut this cost significantly. Accommodation does not have to be expensive!

Just to give you an idea, during our year of round the world travel , the most expensive place we stayed was $55 per night for the both of us (in Lake Bled, Slovenia).

And believe us – we were not slumming it during our travels. We stayed in some pretty fantastic places, and the sites below are how we got got ahhh-mazing deals:

If you are traveling in Asia, Agoda is hands-down the best place to find cheap accommodation. This site is easy to use and has a great review system, so you’ll easily get a feel for how nice each hotel is. And the deals are unbeatable.

Booking.com

We loved using Booking.com when we were in Europe and traveling around the U.S.A. They have really good hotel deals and are always running discounts on night stays. They typically have free cancellation as well, which is a nice perk. 

In Europe and the US, we love Airbnb  because we we’re able to stay in a more “local” area and have access to kitchens so we can save money on food.

Try out Airbnb . If you’re new, sign up here and you’ll get $55 off your first stay ! Yes, seriously – no gimmicks!

We have loads of info on how to book Airbnbs, red flags to watch out for when booking, and our favorite Airbnbs in our  Airbnb article .

Hostelworld

Before you get all judgey when you hear the word “hostel”, keep reading…

Hostels are almost always cheaper than traditional hotels, and contrary to popular belief, they are not just dorms! There are almost always private rooms that are quite affordable. Plus, many hostels have kitchens you can use, free breakfast, affordable tour options and local advice. And they typically have a common space where you can meet other travelers and exchange stories and travel information.

Couchsurfing

Another option to try is Couchsurfing . It’s completely free and you’re able to stay with a local which can lead to some unforgettable experiences that you wouldn’t be able to have in a hotel. And who knows, maybe you’ll make a new friend! Before trying it out for the first time, you might want to read about Couchsurfing safety and tips so you feel more at ease.

Depending on where you are in the world, camping can be a great way to save money on accommodation (and it’ll add to the adventure!). Be sure to really research the laws in your country when it comes to where and when you can pitch a tent, and invest in quality gear. There’s nothing worse than waking up to a soaked tent and sleeping bag.

One potential downside of this option is that you’ll have pack your accommodation with you. You’ll have to find the balance between minimizing your load, while still being prepared.

16. Travel slowly

If you only have 2 weeks, it makes sense to bounce around quickly. You’ll want to see as much as you can in the time you’ve got (even if you’re fighting back to the urge to quit your 9-to-5 to travel ).

But if you’re traveling for an extended period of time, you’ll need (and want!) to slow down. Traveling for a longer period of time can be much cheaper per day than a short trip. Bus rides are cheaper than flights and agreeing to stay somewhere for a week might land you a great deal.

17. Do a skill exchange

And while we’re on the topic of traveling slowly… Volunteering on your travels is a great way to delve into a community, make a positive difference and get free (or very inexpensive) room and board.

We’ve had great experiences working on organic farms through WWOOF and WorkAway . HelpX is another site trusted by travelers to find volunteer opportunities overseas. And if you want to/able to stay in one area for an extended period of time and don’t mind taking care of an animal, you could try House Sitting .

Caution: Whenever talking about volunteering abroad, we caution people to really do their research. “Voluntourism” is a growing industry and there are many programs that are actually detrimental to the communities in which volunteers work.

Many of these programs also require a hefty fee, so they are by no means a cheap alternative to travel. There are great organizations out there, so don’t let this warning scare you away!

18. Drink from the tap

Ben sterilizing water on our trek to Everest Base Camp

Water isn’t something you really think about when you’re packing for long term travel or figuring out a budget, but it should be on your radar.

If you’re planning to visit countries in Central and South America, Africa or Asia, a Steripen should be on your list of must-get travel gear! In many regions of the world, you can’t drink from the tap, and buying plastic bottles of water is not only wasteful, it can be very expensive (especially if you are hydrating properly!). So using a Steripen to sterilize your water is an amazing money-saving (and waste-saving!) tip. 

Being the Excel-loving nerd he is, Ben calculated how much money our Steripen saved us during our 3-month trip to South America, and it was surprising… We saved over $200 in 3 months, because we rarely needed to buy water bottles.

Read more: Check out this article with some of our favorite money-saving gear and resources .

19. Avoid being scammed

While we are big believers that there is more good in the world than bad, there are unsavory characters in every city and country. However, while traveling you’re in unfamiliar territory. This can make you a bigger target for people trying to scam you and take your money.

A couple pieces of advice are to Google “common scams in _____” before visiting a new place. Each country has scams of their own, and once you’re aware of them, you’ll be less likely to fall victim.

And as a general rule of thumb, the most common places to be scammed are before, during and after transportation. For example, the time between landing at the airport and getting to your hotel. This is when you are carrying all your luggage, tired from traveling and in a totally new place.

Being aware and cautious can save you from losing money to scam artists. 

20. Make money on the road

There are lots of ways to earn a little cash online (or a lotta cash! – depending on how much time you can dedicate).

Freelance work: There are quite a few sites out there that connect freelancers with clients looking for all types of help on their business. I used to use Upwork.com and had luck finding projects I could do from anywhere in the world.

Teach English online: One super easy way Ben has recently found is to teach English in an online classroom with VIPKID . You can earn anywhere between $16-$22 per hour (plus additional incentives) practicing English with elementary-age students in China. You can set your own schedule, work as many hours as you want and you don’t even need to your TEFL or teaching experience to do it. All you really have to do is be on time, be energetic and be happy, which many of you already are. It will be the easiest money you make online !

Start a Blog: Another way we make money online is through this blog. We’ve shared more information on how to start a successful money-making blog here so check it out!

But don’t be fooled – earning money while traveling isn’t easy. You need to have access to reliable Internet, which can be difficult in some parts of the world. If you are working with clients in your home country, you might need to think about working in different time zones to meet deadlines.

And sometimes, you’re going to have to forgo fun things in order to get work done. Trust us, it’s not easy saying no to a daiquiri on the beach in order to meet a deadline.

21. Teach English Overseas

If you want a long term international experience, we can’t stress enough how great an opportunity teaching English in South Korea was for us. It allowed us to live in another country and really delve into the culture while making (a lot of!) money.

We’ve gone over exactly how much money you can plan to make in one year teaching English in South Korea , so we won’t say much more on the topic other than DO IT if it is remotely interesting to you.

22. Purchase Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is something you just can’t risk going without. It won’t save you much money up front, but if something were to happen, you could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by being covered.

We’ve met a handful of people who have had unfortunate accidents on the road and have had to be airlifted to nearby hospitals. That type of evacuation ain’t cheap, and it most certainly will add a couple zeros to the end of your budget. Don’t risk it.

Travel insurance isn’t as expensive as you’d think and it will cover these emergencies (even though you hope you never have to use your coverage!). Some policies even cover valuables stolen on the road or delayed flights.

We have an entire article devoted to helping you choose the right travel insurance policy for you ! There aren’t any excuses anymore.

Create a Travel Budget in 6 Simple Steps

Now that you know all our cheap travel hacks and how we afford to travel around the world, let’s create a travel budget just for you. 

Your budget will determine how much money you need to save, and it will also kind of shape your trip. For instance, if your travel budget is small, you might opt out of certain cities or activities. And if you’ve got a lotta dough to spend, you can research all the fun things you can do with it!

And we’re going to share with you exactly how we do it, in 6 simple steps. The beauty of this exercise is that you can cater it to fit whatever your dream trip may be – whether it be a one-week vacay in Hawaii or a one-year journey around the world .

And better yet, it only takes about 20 minutes to come up with a really solid plan of how much money you’ll need to save for your trip. So what are you waiting for?

Let’s take the first step in turning your daydreams into reality…

Step 1: Define your Travel Style

Travel is completely personal, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it. But in order to determine your budget, you’ve first got to figure out your travel style.

Read the following statements and see which one sounds most like you:

Budget Traveler:

“I don’t mind sleeping in dorm rooms or taking local forms of transportation (even though it’s sometimes slower). I prefer eating at authentic “hole-in-the-wall” type eateries and don’t typically like doing organized tours. I enjoy traveling on a budget because it allows me to interact with locals and often brings more adventure than when you pay top dollar.”

Mid-Range Traveler:

“I like a mix of comfort and authentic adventure. I don’t want to sleep in dorm rooms with people I don’t know, but I don’t need a 5-star hotel every night. When traveling, I enjoy eating at a variety of places –ranging from street stands to nice cafes. I like splurging every once in a while, but am okay roughing it a bit too. For me, it’s all about balance.”

Luxury Traveler:

“When I travel, I like to enjoy the finer things – from plush hotels, to the top-rated restaurants and entertainment. I think that a vacation should be full of splurges, and I don’t like holding back. I enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences and I like to have all the details arranged for me, even if it costs more money. Traveling is my time to relax and explore, and I don’t want to miss out by sticking to a strict budget.”

So which one is it?

Maybe you are between two styles. Not quite “budget”, but not exactly “mid-range” either. Or perhaps you’re between “mid-range” and “luxury”.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to feel. But determining what type of travel style you identify with is the first step to coming up with a realistic budget.

Step 2: Find your Daily Budget

Do a quick Google search for a daily budget of a country you’re thinking of visiting. A good site to start with is Budget Your Trip .

Choose a country, your travel style (Step #1) and your currency, and you’ll get a pretty good estimate of how much to expect to spend each day.

Write this number down because you’ll need it for the next steps.

Step 3: Get your Preliminary Total

Multiply the number you got in Step #2 (Daily Budget) by how many days you plan to be there. This will give you the preliminary cost of your trip. But, hold on – you’re not done just yet!

Step 4: Give yourself some “Padding”

Now, calculate 10-20% of the preliminary total you got in Step 3.

You know yourself best. If you’re great at sticking to a budget, maybe you can get by with an additional 10%. But if budgets aren’t your thing, maybe an extra 25% is more realistic. We typically add a 15% padding.

Add this number to your total, but don’t include it in your daily spending budget (Step 2). Remember, you don’t necessarily want to spend this money – it’s just there as a buffer for souvenirs, last minute splurges or incidentals.

Step 5: Plan your Splurges

Even if you have a budget to stick to, splurges are just part of traveling. Don’t let lack of money hold you back from something you’ve been dreaming about, like diving in the Galápagos or a taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia . It may be expensive, sure, but it’s part of your journey. And if you want it badly enough, it’s worth it.

Plan out your splurges so you’re ready for them. (Include this cost in your total budget, but don’t divide it into your daily spending.)

And when you do splurge, make sure it’s with a ethical company giving back to the local community and environment. Read our 36 Tips for Traveling Responsibly article for more information.

Step 6: Add on Airfare and Travel Insurance

Note that when you search for a daily budget in a particular country, it will typically NOT include airfare or travel insurance. You will have to add these costs in as well.

For airfare: We like getting airfare estimates on SkyScanner because you can search an entire month and see the cheapest day to fly.

For travel insurance: We like World Nomads for travel insurance. Get a super quick quote here.

And there you have it: Your own fully-customized travel budget! CONGRATS!

Tip: You can also do this exercise in reverse. What I mean is if you have $3,000 USD saved up, and you want to visit Thailand , start with Step #6 and work backwards by subtracting the costs. You’ll be able to see how many days a reasonable budget will bring you with $3,000 USD to spend.

Interested in more budget travel resources?

Be sure to check out our Budget Travel homepage for resources on everything you need to get your travel budget started and more! Or you can read some of our favorite articles about budget travel below. 

How to Find Cheap Flights: 17 Expert Tips

8 Reasons Why You Should House Sit and How to Get Started

Money-Saving Tips for a Cheap Road Trip Across the USA

Plan a Trip: The Ultimate Guide to Budgeting, Planning & Packing

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We want to hear from you!

Which cheap travel hack do you like the best? Which one will you use next? Have you created you travel budget? Let us know in the comments below. Or ask us anything about budget travel, we’d like to help you out!

Comments (13) on “ 22 Cheap Travel Hacks You Can Use Right Now ”

Thanks for sharing such valuable tips.

Hi, great tips! If I may add a few more especially related to money — since travellers from outside the US cannot get the charles schwab card – there are other ways to avoid ATM Fees – I use this app – it gives you a list of ATMs with the ATM Fees in 30-40 foreign countries along with withdrawal limits for foreign card holders so you can choose the ones which do not charge any fee to foreign card holders. Also, I always decline conversion at foreign ATMs or select “Without Conversion” and not exchange cash at airports, worst currency exchange rates ever.

Very useful tips to save money.

Great! Also, nice advice also check this out http://bit.ly/2WuFwkQ it might help as well.

I actually spend very little time finding deals! The key to getting a good deal is to be spontaneous, especially while traveling, so thanks. These is STUNNING TIPS!

Hi You Two!

Thank you so much for this incredible article and your site as a whole. My husband and I are getting ready for our first RTW trip, starting in November. This article had tons of valuable information in a concise and efficient way. We so appreciate you!!

Thanks so much Sophia, glad you liked all our travel hacks!

Wow – super comprehensive guide! Thanks for these tips! I’m pretty good at getting deals but I definitely got some new ideas here!

Great, happy to hear you got some new ideas!

Thank you for breaking down the expenses of travelling in South East Asia vs normal living in the states. This helped me get a grasp of what I will need to budget for when I decide to travel that way for 3 months! Thanks again, very much appreciated!

Thanks for the kind words, Kraig. We are so glad it has been helpful to you. Best of luck as you plan!

Stumbleupon your travel blog. My GF and I started

Great Derek, glad you found us 🙂

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23 Amazing Hotel Hacks To Boost Your Travel Experience

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1. Get Special Perks and Bonuses

2. sign up for the loyalty program, 3. get club lounge access, 4. look for extra deals to stack before booking, 5. get hotel elite status with your credit card, 6. ask for an upgrade, 7. get a free night, 8. get the digital key (don’t forget your room number), 9. unpack quickly with packing cubes, 10. get water from the gym, 11. bring a hanging toiletry bag, 12. get free breakfast, 13. picky about coffee or tea bring your own keurig cups or tea bags, 14. use the hotel’s credit card, 15. use the bathroom cups for your toothbrush, 16. get more counter space, 17. earn airline miles while you sleep, 18. don’t unpack your suitcase on the bed, 19. charge your devices, 20. make a toddler-approved bed, 21. big family get adjoining rooms, 22. find a hotel where kids eat free, 23. book a suite, final thoughts.

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If you Google “best hotel hacks,” you’ll find a bunch of clickbait articles that are all the same, offering “hacks” that are mediocre at best. That’s not what we’re about here at Upgraded Points. We want to help you save money and have an awesome hotel experience.

For this post, we’ve compiled our best expert tips to make your next hotel stay amazing — we’re talking upgrades, free breakfast, and even free hotel nights.

Let’s get started!

Hotel Booking Hacks

When you book a hotel room, it’s nice to know you’ll get extra perks and bonuses. Thankfully, there are ways to guarantee these perks at the time of booking by using a specialty travel portal or travel advisor.

Check out the benefits you’ll get when you book through these channels:

American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts

• Once per year $200 statement credit when using The Platinum Card ® from American Express
• 12 p.m. early check-in
• Room upgrade (when available)
• Daily breakfast for 2
• $100 experience credit (varies by hotel)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• 4 p.m. late checkout

American Express Hotel Collection (Benefits Valid on Bookings of 2+ Nights)

• Once per year $200 statement credit when using the Amex Platinum card

Hot Tip: The annual  $200 prepaid hotel credit that comes with the Amex Platinum card can be used on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through AmexTravel.com when you pay with your card.

Virtuoso is a network of travel advisors and agencies that specialize in luxury travel. Booking a hotel through a Virtuoso agent will get you the following benefits:

• Room upgrade, if available
• Early check-in, if available
• Late checkout, if available
• A special amenity worth $100

Hot Tip: To access these perks, contact Upgraded Points’ own Leigh Rowan, who is a Virtuoso agent, at [email protected] .

Four Seasons Preferred Partner

While Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits can vary by property, many of them are consistent.

• Hotel credit of $100 to $200
• 1 category room upgrade at check-in, if available
• Welcome note

Hilton Impresario

Hilton Impresario offers benefits at 3 luxury Hilton brands: Conrad, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria

• Best available rates
• VIP guest status
• Complimentary full breakfast for 2 daily per room
• $100 hotel credit per stay or local currency equivalent
• Upgrade to next room category, subject to availability
• Double Hilton Honors points
• Last room availability

Marriott Luminous

• $100 hotel credit (at select properties)
• Room upgrade at check-in, if available
• Welcome amenity and note
• Early check-in and late checkout, if available

Marriott STARS

• $100 hotel credit
• In-person welcome from management
• Personalized welcome amenity

Hot Tip: Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous are similar but separate programs. Our guide shows you some of the best properties to get these free perks at!

Hyatt Privé

The Hyatt Privé program allows select travel agencies to offer extra perks and bonuses at more than 200 Hyatt properties.

• 1-category room upgrade within 24 hours of booking, if available
• $50 to $100 hotel credit
• A welcome gift and letter

Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection (LHRC)

The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection is Chase’s luxury hotel program. When you book one of these properties, you can expect the following benefits:

• A special amenity (varies by property)

Bottom Line: You can get extra perks on your next hotel stay such as free breakfast or hotel credit when you book through a specialized travel portal or travel agency including American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, American Express Hotel Collection, Virtuoso, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Marriott Luminous, Marriott STARS, Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, and Hyatt Privé.

Even if you have no intention of ever staying at the hotel brand again, sign up for the loyalty program. That’s because many hotel loyalty programs (like Marriott Bonvoy , Hilton Honors , World of Hyatt , and IHG One Rewards ) offer member pricing and perks that you can take advantage of even on your first stay.

Plus, you can often transfer hotel points to a travel partner. While this is often not the best way to use hotel points, if you have a small number of points in a program that you won’t use, you might as well transfer them.

Having access to your hotel’s club lounge is a great way to save money on food and drinks . Hotel club lounges vary in size and quality, but at a minimum, they usually provide free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Great club lounges can offer enough food for a full breakfast and dinner. Here are a few ways to gain access to your hotel’s club lounge:

• Book a room that includes lounge access
• Earn a hotel elite status level that includes lounge access ( Hilton Diamond , Marriott Platinum, or Hyatt Globalist)
• Earn a club lounge access certificate (these are given as Milestone Rewards in the World of Hyatt and IHG One Rewards programs)

Before booking a hotel, see if there are any deals and discounts you can use. Many of these can be used even when you are booking directly with the hotel and can sometimes be stacked for even more savings. Check out Chase Offers and Amex Offers , as well as shopping portals such as Rakuten .

Having hotel elite status can really help to make your next stay as awesome as possible. But getting hotel elite status is easier said than done, right? Well, not always. There are actually some hotel elite status levels you can get just by having the right credit card . Note that some statuses require enrollment through your credit card portal, so be sure to check your card benefits to get the full value.

*All information about these cards has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

If you’d like an upgraded room, it never hurts to email the hotel before your trip to ask for one. Let them know how much you’re looking forward to your trip and be sure to mention any special occasions that you may be celebrating. Be specific when asking for an upgrade — mention the exact room category or feature you’re looking for, such as an oceanfront room, a room with a balcony, or adjoining rooms.

Using points to pay for your hotel room is a great hack, but there are other ways to get a free hotel night! Here are some of our favorites.

Credit Card Free Night Certificate

Many hotel credit cards come with a yearly free night certificate . Here are some great options:

• Hilton  — Hilton Aspire card
• Hyatt — World of Hyatt card
• IHG — IHG Premier card
• Marriott Bonvoy — Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, Marriott Bonvoy Business card, Marriott Boundless card

You can also spend your way to a free night certificate on these credit cards:

• Hilton Surpass card
• World of Hyatt card

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

• 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• 6x points per $1 U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• Annual fee of $150 ( rates & fees )
• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card.
• Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental ® Emerald Club Executive ® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club ® program is required. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $150 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Credit Card Reviews
• Hotel Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Hilton Honors

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

• Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays: 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
• $95 annual fee
• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
• Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
• Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable

World of Hyatt

Hot Tip: Free night certificates can also come as part of a credit card’s welcome bonus. Be sure to check out our current best hotel credit cards to see what bonuses are available.

Hyatt Milestone Rewards

If you’re a fan of the World of Hyatt program, you’ll love that you can earn additional free night certificates through Hyatt Milestone Rewards . As part of this program, you’ll earn a Category 1 to 4 free night after staying 30 nights or earning 50,000 base points and a Category 1 to 7 free night after staying 60 nights or earning 100,000 base points .

Hyatt Brand Explorer

Another way to earn a free hotel night is through the Hyatt Brand Explorer program. After staying at 5 different Hyatt brands , you’ll earn a Category 1 to 4 free night certificate .

Hotel Hacks

When you check in to your hotel, be sure to grab a digital key from your hotel program’s mobile app. Even if you don’t plan on using it, it can be helpful if you tend to forget your room number — just open up your digital key and you’ll have it right there.

When you pack using packing cubes , you’ll be able to unpack your suitcase in a snap. Just move the cubes to a drawer and unzip. Now you’re unpacked and ready for your vacation.

While many hotels provide bottled water for guests, plenty do not. If you’re not eligible for free bottled water through a hotel elite status, there’s another hack you should know about: you can often get water from the hotel gym. Some gyms may provide bottles of water, but if they don’t, there’s almost always a water bottle filling station that you can use.

To save on bathroom counter space, bring a hanging toiletry bag. This is a great way to keep your bathroom essentials organized and out of the way. Most hotels will have a hook or towel bar that you can hang these on.

What better way to start your day than with free breakfast? There are a few travel hacks you can use to get free breakfast during your next hotel stay:

• Stay at a hotel brand that includes free breakfast , such as Springhill Suites by Marriott , Hampton by Hilton , or Hyatt Place.
• Get lounge access . You can gain access to your hotel’s lounge by booking a lounge access room or by having elite status.
• Get elite status . You’ll be eligible for a free breakfast or food and beverage credit by holding hotel elite status including Hilton Gold and Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite, Hyatt Globalist, and IHG Diamond statuses.
• Book a special rate that includes breakfast through a program such as Virtuoso, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Hyatt Privé, Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection, Marriott STARS, or Marriott Luminous.

Most hotel rooms offer in-room coffee makers with basic coffee and tea provided. If you’re picky about what you drink in the morning, be sure to bring your own tea bags or K-cups so you can have exactly what you want to start your day.

In many circumstances, you’ll earn the most points by paying for your hotel stay with a hotel-branded credit card. If you used points to pay for your room, charge incidentals such as food purchases to your room and you’ll earn lots of points too.

• For  Choice hotels , you’ll earn up to 15x points with the Choice Privileges card
• For  IHG hotels , you’ll earn up to 17x points with the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card  and up to 26x points with the IHG Premier card
• For  Hilton hotels , you’ll earn 7x to 14x points using one of the  Hilton co-branded credit cards
• For Hyatt hotels , you’ll earn up to 9x points per dollar by using the World of Hyatt card or the World of Hyatt Business card
• For Marriott hotels , you’ll earn 6x to 14x points using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card
• For Wyndham hotels , you’ll earn 3x to 8x points using one of the Wyndham co-branded credit cards

Keep your toothbrush clean and off the counter by using one of the cups usually provided in the bathroom as a toothbrush holder. If there isn’t a cup in the bathroom, grab one from the coffee station.

If your hotel room is tight on space or you just need a little additional counter or workspace, grab the ironing board from the closet and you’ve got additional counter space in an instant.

Did you know you can earn airline miles by staying in a hotel? Yes! If you prefer to earn airline miles instead of hotel points, you can do so with many hotel programs such as Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards. Just switch your earning preference to miles in your account.

Even better, with Hyatt hotels, you can earn American Airlines miles in addition to World of Hyatt points for your stay if you have World of Hyatt elite status . Just be sure to link your accounts first.

When you first get to your hotel room, you may be inclined to put your suitcase on the bed to start unpacking. Don’t do this! You’ve been dragging your suitcase all over airports and on an airplane or 2 so it’s bound to be dirty. Instead of putting that dirty suitcase on the bed, use a luggage rack to prop up your suitcase so you can unpack quickly. These can usually be found in your hotel room closet.

If your hotel room is short on charging stations, check the back of the TV. You’ll often find extra USB charging ports that are ready to charge your devices.

Family Hotel Room Hacks

If you’re traveling with small children, you’ll love this kid-friendly travel hack. If your hotel room has a small couch or loveseat, turn it around so the open part faces the wall and you’ll have an instant bed that your little one won’t roll out of.

Hot Tip: For more tips on family travel, check out our guide on (almost) stress-free traveling with kids .

If you’ve got a large family, chances are you’ll need to book more than 1 room. In that case, adjoining rooms might be preferable to 2 rooms that aren’t connected. With most hotels, you can only request adjoining rooms. However, Hilton allows you to guarantee adjoining rooms at the time of booking.

Many family-friendly hotels offer free kids’ dining which can save parents a lot of money. There are even entire hotel chains, such as Holiday Inn , that have a kids-eat-free program.

Yes, a suite is a luxury, but if you’re traveling with young children who go to sleep early, it can be a lifesaver. With a suite, you’ll be able to put the kids to bed early and you can stay up without disturbing them. It may cost a little more, but it’s a splurge worth considering.

There are lots of tricks of the trade that seasoned travelers know about when it comes to booking and staying in a hotel. With these smart hacks, your next hotel stay will be much more comfortable from start to finish.

If you plan on flying to your destination, be sure to check out our awesome flight hacks , too.

The information regarding the Best Western Rewards ® Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Best Western Rewards ® Premium Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Wyndham Rewards ® Earner℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Wyndham Rewards ® Earner℠ Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Wyndham Rewards ® Earner℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Choice Privileges ® Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click  here . For rates and fees for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business ® American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hotel hacks to save money.

To save money on your next hotel stay, try one of these hacks:

• Book with hotel points
• Use a free night certificate
• Sign up for the loyalty program for member pricing
• Look for discounts on shopping portals such as Rakuten or TopCashback.com
• Look for Amex Offers or Chase Offers

How can I hack a hotel room for free?

To get a free hotel room, try one of these hacks:

• Book with transferrable points through the bank’s portal
• Erase your charge with a “purchase eraser” credit card

What are some great hotel hacks for families?

Here are some of our best hotel hacks for families:

• Book guaranteed connecting rooms
• Book a hotel where kids eat for free
• Book a suite so adults can stay awake without disturbing kids who go to sleep early
• Turn the couch or loveseat around and push it against the wall to make a toddler bed

What are some great hotel booking hacks?

To find the best hotel for you, you’ll want to know about these hotel booking hacks. First, use a website such as Kayak , Skyscanner , or Google Hotels to search for the best hotel prices on lots of different websites at once. Compare those prices to member pricing when booking direct. Don’t forget to book directly with the hotel if you want to earn loyalty points or have your elite status recognized. If you don’t have any hotel loyalty, use an online travel agency such as Hotels.com or Orbitz that has its own loyalty program.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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12 Hotel Hacks That Will Save You Money

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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Anyone can book a hotel room—but not everyone can save big while doing it. Travel like a genius with these 12 hotel hacks that will help you save money on your next stay, from lowering the nightly rate to avoiding surcharges for Wi-Fi.

1. Book directly with the hotel.

To encourage direct bookings (and avoid paying commissions to sites like Expedia or Hotels.com ), many hotels now guarantee that you’ll find the lowest possible rate on their website. If you see a lower price elsewhere, call the hotel and see if it will honor it. Many chains will not only match lower prices elsewhere on the web but also throw in extras such as a free night ( Choice Hotels ) or a gift card toward future travel ( Best Western ).

Another benefit of booking on the hotel website? Most chains only grant loyalty points to travelers who book directly. (See The Trouble with Hotel Reward Programs to learn more.)

2. Earn miles with every hotel booking.

This contradicts our last hack a bit, but stay with us here. If you’d rather collect frequent flier miles than hotel points , a site called Rocketmiles is for you. Each hotel booking on the site generates thousands of miles for the loyalty program of your choice. So you may pay a few bucks more a night than you would if you booked directly, and you won’t get any hotel loyalty points, but if you travel frequently you’ll rack up miles that you can parlay into free flights down the road — which could save you even more in the end.

3. Booking early? Take advantage of falling rates.

If you’ve ever agonized over when to book your hotel (“Will the rate go down if I wait a few more days?”), there’s an app for that. Book with Service , and you’ll automatically get refunded any time the price drops between when you book and when you stay. Another option is Pruvo , which will alert you if it finds a cheaper option after you book; you can then cancel your original reservation and make a new one using the site’s own booking service.

4. Booking late? Use a last-minute app.

If booking ahead isn’t your thing, you can take advantage of deals on unsold rooms the day you arrive by using a last-minute app such as Hotel Tonight or Booking.com .

The 17 Best Sites and Apps for Last-Minute Travel Deals

5. Know your days of the week.

Downtown hotels that draw lots of business travelers may be more affordable on the weekends once the suits have cleared out. Meanwhile, cozy B&Bs that specialize in romantic weekend getaways typically offer lower rates during the week. Time your booking accordingly to save.

6. Resell your room.

If your plans change unexpectedly and you’re left with a nonrefundable hotel booking that you can’t use, you can resell it to someone else using sites such as RoomerTravel.com . You won’t get the full price back (sites typically charge a fee, and your room won’t sell if you don’t offer a bit of a discount), but it’s better than losing everything you’ve already paid.

These sites save buyers money too—it’s not uncommon to snap up a room for half the price of the initial booking.

7. Be loyal to get free Wi-Fi.

At several chains, including Omni and Fairmont , you can avoid paying a daily fee for in-room Wi-Fi by signing up for the hotel’s loyalty program.

8. Use a wireless router to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on multiple devices.

Paying for Wi-Fi at your hotel is a drag; paying per device is even worse. Luckily, there are various tech solutions to get around this, such as a Wi-Fi travel router that will set up a single hotspot for all your devices to share.

9. Make your own breakfast.

If your hotel doesn’t provide free breakfast, buy (or bring from home) a few packs of instant oatmeal. You can cook it in the microwave if your hotel has one; if not, use the coffee maker or tea kettle to heat some water for an easy meal.

10. Bundle parking into your stay.

If you’re staying at an airport hotel the night before an early flight, you can often leave your car in the hotel lot during your trip for less than the cost of parking at the airport. Use ParkSleepFly.com or BuyReservations.com to find packages that include both the cost of your hotel and a few days’ (or weeks’) worth of parking.

11. Skip the hotel bar.

We love this tip from commenter nomedia on Lifehacker : “Pick up a six-pack from the gas station, fill your bathroom sink with ice from the machine and water, and use it as a cooler. Much cheaper having a few beers in your room while watching TV than hanging out at the hotel bar.” The sink-cooler idea works for anything you want to chill in a room with no fridge, from sodas to white wine.

12. Do your own laundry.

You’re on a long trip, but you don’t want to lug three suitcases full of clothes. (Who has money for all those baggage fees?) Instead, pack a product like the Scrubba Untouched . Voila — you can wash your clothes yourself instead of paying through the nose for your hotel to do it for you or feeding coins into the machines at a dingy laundromat.

Of course, this works best for lightweight, quick-drying fabrics; in a pinch you can use your hotel’s hair dryer to blast away any lingering dampness.

Editor’s Note:  This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. 

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20 hotel booking hacks to help you save money while booking hotels

May 6, 2018 by Karen Turner 13 Comments

I’ve teamed up with my dad ( again ) to give you insider tips for how to save money on hotels, no matter it’s a hostel or a 5* hotel.  I’m proud to have a father who is a master of hotel booking hacks and although I thought that I knew quite a bit about how to find a cheap hotel, my dad has taught me some fantastic ways to save money when booking hotels. We’ve included 20 hotel booking hacks to save you money on your next vacation or business trip!  Both my father and I have traveled extensively within the United States as well as within Europe, so these tips are not only for US-based travelers! 

My dad and I don’t always see eye-to-eye when it comes to accommodation as he prefers well-known chain hotels with familiar perks and I’m all about unique experiences, however we both agree that we want to find the best deal on a hotel.  Some tips are obvious, other tips are subtle but these tips work… We’ve included twenty hotel booking hacks on finding the cheapest accommodation! 

• 0.1 Become a member of a hotel chain (for free!)
• 0.2 Get a credit card from a hotel chain
• 0.3.1 If you’re traveling with a group, vacation housing (using services such as Airbnb or VRBO) is often cheaper although…not always ethical
• 0.3.2 If you’re visiting less touristy destinations and/or countryside, you may have an easier time finding guesthouses instead of hotels.
• 0.4 Use your hotel points wisely
• 0.5 Travel in off season
• 0.6 Book directly on their website
• 0.7 Email or call the hotel for a better rate
• 0.8 Hotel prices depend on more than one factor
• 0.9 Consider staying outside of the city center
• 0.10 Don’t book on name recognition alone
• 0.11 You don’t need hotel breakfast, especially if it’s extra
• 0.12 Check in as late as possible
• 0.13 Traveling with a child? Book a double room and ask for a rolling bed!
• 0.14 Try out new apps if you’re traveling last minute
• 0.15 Consider the cost of parking in your hotel cost if you’re taking a road trip
• 0.16 Have some time before your trip? Track the price!
• 0.17 Refer your friends
• 0.18 Book more than one night
• 0.19 Consider staying at a business hotel on a weekend
• 0.20 If you’re flexible, consider starting your trip mid-week rather than on Friday/Saturday night.
• 1 What are your tips for saving money while booking hotels?

Become a member of a hotel chain (for free!)

If you’re someone who enjoys high quality hotels, we recommend joining a hotel chain loyalty program for the perks.  In many cases, it’s completely  free to become a member of hotel loyalty program although in some cases, it’s a nominal fee. It’s worth it if you often stay at the same hotel chain.

There are often many benefits to being a member of a hotel chain and these often kick in as soon as you arrive.  Benefits include being prioritized for an upgrade and free breakfast.   I was upgraded to larger hotel rooms for free as I provided my membership when booking my hotel room.  In one case, I even got upgraded for a free room after booking my hotel room entirely with hotel points!  If anyone knows the Bob Dylan “Blonde on Blonde”, how about “Freer for Free’?

Just know that sometimes the desk clerk may not notice that you’re a points member if you forget to book your room using your loyalty card, so don’t be shy in mentioning it when checking in.  You might get upgraded!

We recommend being a member of several hotel loyalty programs and prioritizing the one(s) that are better for your destination, so that you can have multiple stays with one chain and/or stay with a different hotel if the rates are better while still benefiting from your points! On a recent trip to France, my dad selected two hotel chains.

Get a credit card from a hotel chain

This tip isn’t for everyone as credit cards are less popular in many countries than America, however if you’re American, consider getting a credit card from your favorite hotel chain.  Hotel credit cards get direct points for your grocery, furniture, flights, and other purchases. Some purchases will trigger a bonus purchase, such as flowers, gasoline, appliances, so know what purchases give you a bonus!

When planning for a big trip, I use my hotel card card for several months to ensure that I can stay for free while traveling.  Be aware that your point totals (often) at the beginning of the month, so buying something close to your trip will NOT be usable on your immediate trip.

Don’t limit yourself to hotels; Check hostels, guesthouses, and vacation housing websites.

If you’re traveling with a group, vacation housing (using services such as airbnb or vrbo ) is often cheaper although…not always ethical.

This a tip that I actually taught my dad!  When looking for cheap accommodation for an upcoming family trip, my dad was shocked to find hotel rates were really high.  He was primarily looking on hotel websites and he wasn’t finding much.  I ended up introducing him to VRBO where he found a large house close to the destination that could house 12 family members for the same price as one room at a 4* for two people.  The choice was clear and it’s saved the rest of my family a lot of headaches (and money on hotels) when trying to find accommodation!  Airbnb recently added a option where you can split the bill on Airbnb.

I’ve been less satisfied with Airbnb for major cities and I’m trying to move away with it as affordable housing is a huge issue that Airbnb refuses to tackle.  I mostly do Airbnb if I can only rent a room.  The housing market in Amsterdam is a mess due to many apartments that are mostly for tourists that  aren’t on the market.  It is improving as Airbnb is becoming more regulated in Amsterdam, but read up on Airbnb in the city that you’re visiting beforehand.

If you’re visiting less touristy destinations and/or countryside, you may have an easier time finding guesthouses instead of hotels.

Some regions aren’t great for hotels, especially if you’re staying somewhere remote, so it’s best to focus on guesthouses.  While road tripping around Iceland , we stayed at many cozy guest houses outside of major cities to save money without going off our route.  Similarly, when I went on a  road trip to Normandy .  Instead of staying at a conventional hotel in Honfleur, I was able to stay at a French chateau dating back to the 17th century for a fraction of the price.  It was truly a special experience and we wouldn’t have stayed here if I had not looked on a website about castle hotels/guesthouses in the region.

Use your hotel points wisely

While using your points for a free stay, be aware that many brands have different names, but are held under the same corporate entity.  Although you might think that they’re competing, they’re not.  Not surprisingly, higher tier hotel require more points towards a free stay.  I have stayed using points in a three star hotel for two nights free instead of one night in a 4 star hotel. Book your hotels with points in advance because hotel chains allocate a low number of point stays.  Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

If you’re short points for a free night stay, it might be cheaper to buy additional points for $35 than to pay for a full night’s stay.  In the past, I’ve stayed at a three star hotel with points after paying $25 for additional points.  An important note: If you book using your points and your plans change, cancel . If not, you will forfeit your points without staying for free!

Travel in off season

If you’re traveling to a popular destination, consider changing your dates to travel during the low season.   In Provence, the same 4* hotel in Avignon in February costs $ 88 per night, however it almost doubles in price in May.  However, you might also suffer from the lack of options if hotels and guesthouses are closed for part of the year.

Book directly on their website

Hotel chains often offer their lower prices directly on their website. Sometimes when you’re booking, you’ll see options for discount not mentioned elsewhere, prepayment, “green stays”, or discounts for certain people (retired).  In Holland, one of my favorite hotel is the Golden Tulip, offered the “Green Discount.” We re-used the same towel two days in a row and other environmental measures.   (It should be noted that many chains do not give you points if you book through a third party.)

Email or call the hotel for a better rate

This is a hotel booking hack that my dad taught me.  Although he was interested in one 4* boutique hotel after seeing a rate via Booking, he ended up calling them to ask about the rate.  The girl on the phone asked him to inquire officially by sending an email. After doing so, he received a rate that was 40 euros cheaper  per night .   Why not ask?

Hotel prices depend on more than one factor

Hotel prices change frequently on a lot of variables, including booking time, location, planned duration, and season.  For instance, hotels catering to business travelers during the week offer discounts on the weekend, so you might find a 5* hotel for the same price as a hostel as I recently did.  If you’re seeing really high prices, consider whether demand is very high due to an event.  If so, you might want to consider staying a bit further away from the area.

My husband attended a music festival and when I tried to help him find a cheap hotel, I found it nearly impossible to find him anywhere affordable to stay as most festival goers booked something ahead.  With widening the search to the country next door (only 20 minutes away), I was able to find him a budget hotel for 55 euros per night only forty minutes from the festival. Most people hadn’t looked there!

Consider staying outside of the city center

Research your upcoming trip and don’t be afraid to stay outside of the city center.  A prime location is at a premium and you should expect nearby restaurants to have higher prices.  Taking a short ride on public transportation or a thirty minute walk from the center can save money and provide a more local experience with local restaurants.  Similarly, it gives you the opportunity to explore other neighborhoods outside of the typical tourist areas.

Don’t book on name recognition alone

Never book a hostel or hotel only based on the name.  Some hotels name themselves after famous hotels elsewhere and/or make it sound more grand than it is, so check the reviews before you book!   I always check Booking, TripAdvisor, and Kayak for ratings.

One bad review isn’t cause for concern as people have differing opinions about small things (the pool wasn’t the perfect temperature), but more than one? Be careful! However, look at how many reviews there are, how uniform the reviews are, and how recent the reviews are. It’s good to go with accomodation with a large number of reviews.  There is always a risk, but I usually look for places with more than an 8/10 rating on Booking. (My dad aims for 98% favorable, but we differ here.)

You don’t need hotel breakfast, especially if it’s extra

Especially if you’re traveling abroad, skip the hotel breakfast unless it’s something special.  Use your mornings to get a cheaper and more delicious breakfast outside at your hotel.  Instead of having waffles and eggs for $10, save money when booking your hotel by skipping the breakfast. In France, we skipped the breakfast in lieu of having breakfast at the food markets in Provence.   Even if you want to eat croissants, I guarantee that the ones at the local bakery are better than the ones available in your hotel.  

Check in as late as possible

This is a hotel tip for those of you who are on a budget, however you’re hoping to upgrade your room.  If you check-in late, it’s possible that your hotel might have a better room available due to a cancellation and/or staying unbooked.  Due to a delayed flight, a friend and I got upgraded to a suite for free as someone cancelled last minute.

Traveling with a child? Book a double room and ask for a rolling bed!

This is a basic one, however if you’re traveling with three people, don’t be afraid to book a double room as a rolling bed is often free with the room.

Try out new apps if you’re traveling last minute

I ended up using a local app for social deals and ended up with a cheap hotel after seeing a deal on the app.  Especially if you’re traveling locally, your local apps (like Groupon) might have something good!

Consider the cost of parking in your hotel cost if you’re taking a road trip

My husband and I take a lot of road trips and although you might find a cheap hotel in the city center, you’ll need to pay for parking.  Parking in some cities can be fairly pricey, so take it into account when booking a trip.  I was considering a cheap hotel that was only 48 euros per night, however parking was at least another 10 euros per night, which was an issue.  Instead, we opted for a hotel that was about a 20-30 minute walk or ten minute train ride from the city center with free parking for the same price.

Have some time before your trip? Track the price!

If you’re wondering if you’re getting the best price for a hotel that you really want to stay at, consider looking up your search and signing up for updates to hotel prices.  You can see if the hotel price drops and you can receive emails for when the price drops.  There’s many services for this, including Kayak.

Traveling last minute? Wait until 24-48 hours beforehand to find the best hotel deals

Our guesthouse balcony in Brunei

About 48 hours before a date, hotels often slash their prices to ensure that all their rooms are booked.  If you’re traveling last minute, keep this in mind when looking at hotel prices if you’re in need of a little getaway.  Our little getaway to Friesland was thanks to a last minute hotel deal and included free chocolate upon check-in!

Refer your friends

This is super basic, but many apps and websites will provide a discount if your friends book with your code.  I use Booking.com regularly for myself and they have a deal that when my friends book something with one of my codes, both of us get $25 USD.  It’s a great deal!

Book more than one night

Rates are often cheaper and you’ll get more perks if you book more than one night.  Many hotels will have deals that give you 1-2 free nights if you stay more than five nights and/or free breakfast after three nights.  Ask when you book direct!

Consider staying at a business hotel on a weekend

I’ve done this and I’ll be doing this again soon.  I was able to find a 5* business hotel that offered rates that were similar to a private room in a hostel for two nights for a cheap price as the hotel was next to a big government institution that catered to ambassadors.  Why stay at a hostel when you can stay in luxury for the same price!?

If you’re flexible, consider starting your trip mid-week rather than on Friday/Saturday night.

This is a pro-tip for saving money as most people travel between Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Alternatively, most people leave on the same day as a holiday.  You’ll save a lot of money on transportation as well as hotels if you end up arriving 1-2 days before the weekend on a less popular day and checking out 1-2 days after everyone else.  I find that budget flights are often 50% cheaper when I fly on a Thursday rather than a Saturday and many hotels are significantly cheaper for Thursday/Friday night than for Friday/Saturday night.

What are your tips for saving money while booking hotels?

Let me know what you thought of these hotel booking hacks on how to save money on hotels!

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

June 2, 2018 at 4:22 am

What a great post! And how lovely you teamed up with yr dad. I agree re: AirBnB and admit I use it when travelling, but yes, lately ethically it’s questionable now as I know where I’m based: Athens in Greece, I’ve heard tales of landlords evicting tenents so they can short term rent…there just seems to be a lack of long term rentals now for families, locals, etc. As I say: questionable – but I always use it (for price factor) when I travel. I think a good thing with AirBnB is you can rent more centrally, and some areas regenerating use AirBnB – so it can help an area.

June 2, 2018 at 4:36 am

Great tips! I always try to check at least a couple different booking sites, as well as the hotel’s own site if they have one, before I book.

June 2, 2018 at 4:59 am

Great tips! Any hotel chains you recommend being a member? I don’t want to clog up my inbox with all the marketing emails, so I want to be more selective with the more valued ones.

June 2, 2018 at 5:59 am

IHG Rewards is my dad’s favorite! It really depends on which hotels you usually stay in, so I’d think about that.

June 2, 2018 at 7:14 am

Would never have thought of checking in late to get an upgrade – great idea! My partner travelled to the US with work and had to stay in a particular hotel chain for nearly a month – those points he stored up have earned us enough for free hotel stays in Waikiki, Edinburgh and Auckland!!

June 2, 2018 at 8:04 am

Really comprehensive post full of great tips. For those of us who are travel geeks, this stuff comes naturally but it’s exactly the kind of stuff my non-travel-obsessed friends often ask for help with!

June 2, 2018 at 10:34 am

The Green discount isn’t common in Asia, sad. And what I also didn’t know is that it’s not always cheaper in booking websites. Thanks for your tips! Sharing this with family and friends.

June 2, 2018 at 10:40 am

Amazing tips!! I always try and check multiple places before booking and read reviews, but I never realised there were so many other things I could be doing to save money on hotels. Next time I travel, I’m definitely going to try calling up

June 2, 2018 at 11:59 am

I’m always too shy to call the hotel and just ask! So simple.

June 2, 2018 at 6:40 pm

Great tips for booking hotels. Another one is to make sure you know exactly whats included in the price when comparing. I find sometimes when you book a hotel or even airbnb it says a certain price per night then when you go to check out it can add on a service fee or cleaning fee and actually works out more expensive than you thought!

June 2, 2018 at 7:45 pm

It’s a well-researched post. Going to save this for my reference 🙂

June 2, 2018 at 9:17 pm

Great tips! We’ve had amazing deals in Israel booking 2-24 hours in advance – around HALF PRICE through booking.com. Just a word of caution: in many countries, we’ve found that there’s an extra charge for having your child in the room even using existing bedding. It sucks, and one time booking.com didn’t include the charge so we were tacked with a hefty unexpected bill at check-in. Some countries also have strict occupancy regulations. So asking for a roll-away is great and works well at major chains, but less likely to work at a small hotel and/or in some countries.

September 28, 2022 at 11:35 am

Motel 6 by Frontier City is a very nice place to stay. Its very clean and its budget friendly. The staff is outstanding and its also pet friendly.

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