When planning trips, most people only consider hotels. I urge you to consider other types of lodging. Some will save you money, while others are just more fun or convenient.
Motels are our first stop. Motels have a unique history in America. "Motel" was first used by a property that called itself a motor hotel and shortened the name. These properties are smaller and usually more inexpensive than hotels. By the way, Motel 6 is a hotel chain or at least a very large motel.
Bed and breakfasts, commonly called B&Bs, are another alternative to hotels. B&Bs are individually owned and operated, thus each property is different. B&Bs can have varying qualities, price ranges, and amenities.
OK, you probably know about motels and B&Bs, so I just wanted to mention them. Following are some more interesting ploys.
Vacation rentals are one of my favorites. Properties offered for rent include houses, condos, apartments, villas, boats, castles, and so on. Vacation rental properties are much more fun and convenient than hotels, and, most importantly, usually cost less!
Timeshares are always available for rent, because owners cannot use their assigned week or plans change (work, emergency). Often timeshare properties are listed at the last minute and you can get incredible deals. I once rented a 2 bedroom condo in Florida for $100 (total); another property was a 3 bedroom condo in Kauai for $33 a night. The two above links are popular timeshare websites but listings can also be found on eBay.com, craiglist.com, and many other places. Many people get discounted lodging by attending timeshare sales presentations.
Corporate apartments are sometimes available for short-term rentals. Oakwood is the largest agency but there are many others. Some require a 30 day minimum stay and others do not. One of my corporate stays was at a 3 bedroom apartment in South Florida for less than $40 a night. The beauty of corporate stays, besides saving loads of cash, is that they often do grocery shopping for you, they have nightly happy hours or bbq dinners, and the property is vacant during the day; while the business people are at work, we have the pool and facilities to ourselves. If you just love hotel chains but long-term rentals appeal to you, check out Marriott's Execustay or Extended Stay America, although any hotel/motel/etc. will offer lower rates for longer stays. Ask!
Don't forget about hostels. Most are not just for youth, either, especially during the off-peak periods. You just may find yourself staying in a castle, lighthouse, boat, or other unique property.
Of course, there are always options like camping, sleeping in airports or train stations, couch surfing, freeloading, and so on.
© 2008, Charles McCool
Showing posts with label vrbo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vrbo. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Slash Travel Costs by Eating Healthier
In my classes, I regularly teach that it is easy to save money on overall travel budgets by staying in the right type of properties. Sometimes you will pay a little more money but sometimes not. What I advise you to do is look for lodging options with kitchenettes.
Properties with kitchenettes can save you money when you decide to dine out less and eat in more. Dining costs can easily exceed $100 per person per day. By using the kitchenette instead of eating in restaurants, you can slash more than 50% from your dining costs. You decide how much to save.
Kitchenette properties do not have to be fancy, or, like I said earlier, cost more than regular lodging. Many hotel rooms have a refrigerator and microwave; if not, you can request one or both. Hotel companies have entire suite properties, with full kitchens. Non-hotel rental properties include condos, apartments, and villas.
Think of just breakfast. Ballpark figure may be $10 per person per day. That would be $250 to $300 for 4 people for one week. By simply buying cereal, milk, orange juice, and fruit, you can save over $200.
Lunch and dinner costs (and savings) can be more dramatic.
Not only will you save money but it is more healthy. You can choose quality ingredients and create sensible portions. One meal can be on your balcony or watching TV, another can be in a park or on the waterfront.
What do you think? Do you have your money saving tactics? Send me e-mail or post a comment. Thanks!
© 2008, Charles McCool
Properties with kitchenettes can save you money when you decide to dine out less and eat in more. Dining costs can easily exceed $100 per person per day. By using the kitchenette instead of eating in restaurants, you can slash more than 50% from your dining costs. You decide how much to save.
Kitchenette properties do not have to be fancy, or, like I said earlier, cost more than regular lodging. Many hotel rooms have a refrigerator and microwave; if not, you can request one or both. Hotel companies have entire suite properties, with full kitchens. Non-hotel rental properties include condos, apartments, and villas.
Think of just breakfast. Ballpark figure may be $10 per person per day. That would be $250 to $300 for 4 people for one week. By simply buying cereal, milk, orange juice, and fruit, you can save over $200.
Lunch and dinner costs (and savings) can be more dramatic.
Not only will you save money but it is more healthy. You can choose quality ingredients and create sensible portions. One meal can be on your balcony or watching TV, another can be in a park or on the waterfront.
What do you think? Do you have your money saving tactics? Send me e-mail or post a comment. Thanks!
© 2008, Charles McCool
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