COVID slowed us down for a couple of years, and now a few health issues challenge us. We're still traveling if not writing about it quite so much. Our goal in 2022 was get to all seven continents in one year... and we did it.
Going forward health issues may not allow us to travel. No one can take away those memories though. We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels.
Learn a few tricks, and you'll find cheap hotels stretch your travel budget.
If your Dollar or Euro doesn't seem like it goes as far, should you just forget traveling?
We don't think so.
Travel gives you a boost.
You just have to travel a little smarter.
You might cut a few corners so you can eat and sleep cheaper...,
...but you can still have a great trip.
To stretch your travel budget in Europe, stay in a bed-and-breakfast.
It will probably cost you less than even the cheapest hotel in town.
You'll get a friendly host who can probably tell you where to eat great food for less, and the only downside is you might be a ten minute walk from the center of town.
If you can't find a convenient
bed-and-breakfast, stay in a hotel with fewer stars.
This will be your
cheaper option in the U.S.
If you check them out before you take the
room, you might find some real gems. We've definitely found cheap
hotels stretch your travel budget....
They may have a lowly one or two
stars only because they don't have a restaurant, or an elevator. Some
small family run places can be as cozy and friendly as a
bed-and-breakfast.
If you're going to stay in a city for a week or more, consider a short-term apartment rental. They have small kitchens, so you can shop at local stores and eat in, saving on restaurant meals.
They are often no more than a moderate priced hotel room. In the U.S. you can prepare meals in your room if you get a motel with a kitchenette.
Negotiate with hotels. Room rates generally follow the economy. If economies around the world are sinking... so are room rates.
No matter if it's a bed and breakfast, a cheap hotel or one with more stars, don't accept the first price they quote you.
Ask if there are any discounts or if it will be cheaper if you stay more nights.
This works especially well if you are at their door, and they are not full for the night. They want to fill that room, and they might as well entice you with a good deal.
Don't succumb to a nightcap from the minibar. Snacks and drinks are always more expensive from the minibar. If you think you might have the midnight munchies, stop at a convenience store or a local shop and pick up a few items.
If you're really counting your pennies, doing your laundry in the hotel sink is a great way to stretch your travel budget. Hotel laundry services can be expensive. Some motels in the U.S. have coin operated washers and driers on the premises.
If your hotel doesn't include breakfast in the price of the room, you will probably save money venturing out to a local corner cafe rather than paying the price for the hotel breakfast buffet.
If you watch the way you eat and drink, and you're smart about where you sleep, you'll find cheap hotels stretch your travel budget or at least you can get a deal on a hotel with more stars.... in either case you'll save money so you don't have to stay too close to home.
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
Curious about what else we've written about? Search our site for a destination or travel tip.
But... We'd love to have you share this page or comment on it…
Thanks, Judy and Mark
Go from Cheap Hotels Stretch Your Travel Budget to International Travel Tips
Europe Travel Tips
Hotel and B&B Tips l Packing Lists
Go from Cheap Hotels Stretch Your Travel Budget to MouseToursTravels Home Page
Summer Vacation
Travel is fun in the Northern summer... but don't neglect the Southern Hemisphere at this time of year.
Yes, it's winter in South Africa, but that's their dry season. It's a good time to travel there.
Sometimes you need to watch rain patterns instead of just seasons to figure the best time to travel...
Whether you're taking a road trip close to home or traveling abroad...
Whether it's summer or winter in your part of the world...
the way you pack can make it all more pleasurable.
Check out all our Packing Lists and Tips.
Need travel ideas?
Things to See in Europe
Africa Calls!
Travel In America
Don't just dream about it...
Start making plans!
Custom Tour Planning List
International Travel Planning Tips
Foreign Is Fun - Not Scary!
Get Your Passports and Visas
And Expect Good Things
There Are Tourist Angels
Search MouseToursTravels
Travel questions or destination info?
Find our answers faster...
We want you to feel comfortable out in the world and on our pages - so surf away in your own language...
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Did it help with your travel planning and preparation? Eager to leave on that next vacation? Please leave your tips or comments in the box below.