Traveling and Hotels

Traveling and hotels are a big part of many travel budgets. Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, having an Eat, Pray, Love experience in Paris, or planning a family reunion on the beach, a comfortable bed is a must at the end of your day.

Accommodation options range from opulent and iconic grand hotels, to quirky and cool-minded boutiques, to picturesque inns straight out of a storybook, and beyond. You’ll also find hostels, homestays, and Airbnbs for those seeking more sociable lodging or unique accommodations, and resorts for travelers who want to be pampered and enjoy a full-service hotel experience.

Some accommodations are geared toward a particular age group, such as youth hostels with set age limits, or are only available to those traveling in groups. However, hostels have become more mainstream, with many international chains catering to older or family travelers as well. Hostels offer dorm rooms that can be mixed or same-sex, and shared kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces for guests.

One of the best ways to save money on hotels is to book directly with the hotel chain. This way you won’t pay commission to booking sites, and many hotels guarantee they have the lowest price. You can even try calling a hotel when you see the same room for a lower price on another site and ask them to match it. While you’ll likely be successful, it’s important to keep your expectations realistic and not expect them to drop the price just for you.