Accommodations on a Budget

Overnight Stays Come in Many Varieties

Most budget travelers know a bed and breakfast can save money on trips to Europe. But in North America, they shy away from what they expect to be high priced rooms laden with frills they don't need. That approach isn't wise, because many of these properties offer excellent values. Read this review about such a property in Eureka Springs, Ark. and realize that similar places are located in many places along your likely itinerary. Find one and enjoy a great value.

If you've been to big cities such as New York, you know that hotel prices will bend or break your budget. Instead of paying these huge sums without question, consider the possibility of staying in a budget hotel. Many of these places, including the Park 79 and the Hotel Bedford in New York, offer great locations and comfortable quarters without the high prices. You might have to put up with a few quirks here and there, but the trade-off is more money to spend on other aspects of your trip.

As with Bed and Breakfast Inns, the term "Boutique Hotel" throws a scare into the budget-conscious traveler. Many boutique hotels are long on amenities and style but short on economy and value. Some of these places do offer attractive locations and reasonable rates that make them worth considering. One such place I found in my travels is Seattle's Paramount Hotel. As you read this review, consider that there are many similar boutique hotels in other prime locations competing with the chains by offering similar comfort at lower prices.

Think about it -- doesn't it make perfect sense to exchange addresses with someone for a time to avoid hotel bills and live like a local? It's not for everyone. But if you could be comfortable living in someone else's digs as they live in your home, consider a home exchange. These arrangements are nothing particularly new, but they've been made much easier with the Internet. There are Web sites you can visit and join to explore lists of people who want to swap homes, or at least host you in their home as you do the same for them at a later date.

Hostels are known as youth hangouts with dormitory-style rooms and a striking lack of travel comforts, right? The term these days often applies to a low-budget hotel that offers spartan but private rooms and bathrooms that could be either private or shared. The dormitory rooms are also there for those with limited funds. The Chelsea Star in Manhattan is a property just steps from Madison Square Garden that offers both kinds of beds at rates far below the average New York rate. If you're not afraid to search "hostel" chances are better for finding such a place and tempering your hotel spending.

There are places where affordable, quality hotel rooms are scarce. Sometimes the most scenic of destinations is not yet fully developed for tourism. Why not explore renting a private home? It's often far more economical than booking two hotel rooms if your group is large. Realtors will help your search, and it's even possible to book such accommodations for short stays. Read a review of one such booking in Hot Springs, Ark. Search your intended destination for short-term rentals and see if it could work for your next trip.

State and National Parks are protected lands with limited commercial development. Few people want to see high-rises on the rims of the Grand Canyon. But in many such places, there are limited operations that allow you to see a spectacular sunrise or be first in line to book a guided tour. One example of a commercial lodge on park property is the Kalaloch Lodge in Washington's Olympic National Park. Although frequently a bit higher priced than a budget traveler would prefer, such facilities provide practical advantages that can save money or time.

Traveling with children presents multiple challenges. Some places simply don't want younger guests. Others will charge by the person or require more than one room -- policies that can double your nightly cost. These charges can become even nastier within the context of a resort area. But in high-priced areas like Laguna Beach, Calif. and Banff, Alberta, there are places where you can entertain the family comfortably for a reasonable price. Best of all, finding such a place is bound to make your trip and create lasting memories without the lingering regret of going over budget.

The Pacific Northwest, the coastline of California and the base of the Arenal volcano in Costa Rica are three enchanting places to visit. But can a budget traveler plan to stay here when such properties often charge premium prices? The answer can be positive if you find a resort that considers budget travelers in its pricing. Read reviews of Alderbrook Resort and Spa, the Shore Cliff Lodge in Pismo Beach, Calif. and the Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort with an eye toward finding other such picturesque settings around the world. With effort, they can be found.

There are places and times when Priceline (and other online bidding services) don't work very well. Small town hotels with abundant business have little need to accept low bids for their rooms. But in large cities, these arrangements often benefit both innkeeper and traveler: a room that would be empty is filled, and a much lower price is paid. Take a look at the results of 13 Priceline bids during one trip to see how Priceline can be either a benefit or a drawback for your budget.