How to find cheap accommodation: Save on travel lodging

That’s what we call an accommodation with a view - Union Hotel in the Sunnmøre Alps, Norway

We all know that feeling — you’re itching to go on your next adventure, but accommodation prices make your wallet cry. The good news? There are plenty of ways to travel without breaking the bank. From secret hotel hacks to unconventional stays, this guide will help you stretch your budget while still enjoying a comfortable and memorable trip.

Travel dreams and budget realities don’t always get along — but they can. If you’ve ever put off a trip because of sky-high accommodation costs, it’s time for a mindset shift. The secret? Flexibility, creativity, and a few clever hacks to cut your lodging expenses without sacrificing comfort (well, maybe a bit of comfort sometimes, but it’s part of the fun)!

From hidden-gem destinations to last-minute booking tricks, this guide will show you how to travel smarter and stretch your budget further — so you can save your money for the real adventure.

So, here are our best tips to save on travel accommodation, as part of our more comprehensive article “How to travel cheaper”.

Follow our little penguin guide to budget-friendly accommodation!

Check accommodation first

So, you’ve got that travel itch, but your bank account is giving you a disapproving look? The usual instinct is to hunt down the cheapest flight first — but here’s a plot twist: your biggest expense might actually be accommodation, not transport.

Before locking in those plane tickets, take a moment to browse accommodation prices. Sometimes, it’s worth booking a slightly pricier flight if it means scoring a place to stay at a fraction of the cost. Your wallet will thank you later.

For example, when considering a trip to Northern Norway, we randomly found a super cheap Airbnb in Alta. And by cheap, I mean CHEAP: 60 € a night for 3 people with sauna and amazing sea views, a short 10 min walk to the city center. So, we ended up flying to Alta and we discovered an amazing town!

Eli is so happy to have found this deal! Pic taken at our Airbnb in Alta.

The hotel hack playbook, or how to find cheap hotels

If you’re after a little comfort and prefer hotels, don’t worry — there are ways to make them budget-friendly, too.

Comparison websites are useful — but not always honest

Some platforms won’t show you the best deal unless you book through them.

Loyalty programs can be game-changers

Booking.com’s Genius program, for example, offers up to 20% off, free upgrades, or even complimentary breakfast as you level up. This is by far our favorite loyalty program. For example, when booking the iconic La Florida in Barcelona (soon to reopen under a new management and name), we got a welcome glass of cava, and got an amazing free breakfast in nice hotels like the Clarion in Stockholm.

Mobile-only rates exist

Check hotel prices on your phone — you might unlock an exclusive discount.

Booking direct can be cheaper

Hotels pay commission fees to third-party platforms, so they often offer incentives (like free breakfast) for direct bookings.

Luxury for less

A high-end room in a four-star hotel, like a Suite, often costs a lot less than a standard room in a five-star hotel. Feels fancier, too.

Superior room, free spa and free breakfast at the historic Hotel 1898 in Barcelona - for cheaper than a standard room at a 5*! (That’s our excited faces, we just love the robes)

Hostels are not just for 20-year-olds

Believe us, we’re twice that! If you’re not into bathroom sharing, many hostels offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, making them an affordable hotel alternative. Also, depending on the destination, you won’t necessarily find party tigers. For example, in Iceland, we only stayed at hostels, and the crowd was a mix of young and older backpackers, and hikers.

The free cancellation trick

Book with free cancellation, then check again closer to your arrival date. Prices often drop last-minute, and you might snag an unexpected deal.

Penguin Trampoline tip:

If your accommodation doesn’t offer free cancellation, it might be wise to book a travel insurance that covers cancellation. Get 5% off with our partner HeyMondo!

Save on food, book a kitchen

We get it — you’re on vacation, and cooking isn’t exactly top of your itinerary. But hear us out: booking a place with a kitchen isn’t just about saving money; it’s about making your stay feel like home.

After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than whipping up a meal with local ingredients, in the comfort of your own space. Plus, in pricey destinations (looking at you, Scandinavia), cooking at home can save you hundreds and you get to taste the best of Arctic food!

Airbnb, Booking, or even hostels often have shared or private kitchen options.

Why wouldn’t you book an accommodation with kitchen with such a view? Our awesome fisherman cabin Airbnb in the Faroe Islands.

Airbnb and holiday rentals tips

New listings = better deals

Owners eager for their first guests sometimes offer discounts or welcome gifts. For example, in San Francisco, we got a steal on a house the heart of Misión-Castro district, and the sweet owner left us a welcome basket with food, wine and travel guides!

Weekly and monthly discounts exist!

If you’re staying longer, look for hosts offering reduced rates. If there are no discounts available, try to (kindly) contact the host.

Travel in low season

Flexibility is key to travel savings! It sounds obvious, but do you actually know when the low season is for your dream destination? It might not match the off-peak times in your home country!

For instance, Eli visited Costa Rica in September during the so-called "green season"—aka the rainy season. But unlike the monsoons in Asia, the rain in Central America is mild and sporadic, making travel completely manageable. The perk? Accommodations were significantly cheaper!

Seasons vary wildly depending on where you go. Finnish Lapland is busiest around Christmas (thanks, Santa!), while most of Europe is at peak tourism in summer — when prices skyrocket and crowds swell.

If you want great weather in winter, in the Canary Islands, you can enjoy mild temperatures year-round without spending a fortune — Eli found an amazing apartment in Lanzarote for under €50 a night in January. Similarly, renting a campervan in New Zealand in August (winter there) was three times cheaper than in peak summer months!

As a rule of thumb, if your schedule allows, aim for shoulder or low seasons. Think 35€/night sea-view apartment in the Norwegian fjords, or 50€/night right on Nazare beach, in Portugal.

Storm is coming, with hopefully big waves! View from our accommodation in Nazare, Portugal

Book last minute

If you like risk, book last minute! We only recommend this for less visited destinations though. If demand is high for your destination, you can book something with free cancellation to be on the safe side and being able to change your mind later.

We found a last-minute rorbu (fisherman’s cabin) in the Lofoten with the best view we’ve ever had for a little under 80€/night, and it was booked the night before…

Stay with a local, or house-sit your way around the world

Renting a room in someone’s home (via Airbnb) can be cheaper than a private place. Plus, you get insider tips from a local.

Also, couchsurfing is still a thing. If you’re social and adventurous, it’s a great way to meet new people and stay for free.

Finally, think house-sitting = free accommodation. Sites like TrustedHousesitters let you stay in someone’s home (sometimes in dreamy locations) in exchange for pet or house care.

Swap houses (yes, like in The Holiday)

If you own a home, consider a house swap! Platforms like HomeExchange let you trade places with someone else, making travel essentially free. It’s a good idea to have a locked room or closets for your valuables.

And yes, Eli would like to confirm that she still has zero regrets about adding this Jude Law/Kate Winslet reference.

Camping: The ultimate budget-luxury experience

Let’s talk camping. Not everyone’s into it, but for the nature addicts like us out there, it’s one of the best ways to travel for less.

Wild camping is allowed and free in some countries

Sweden, Norway, and Finland allow it, as long as you respect private property and clean up after yourself.

Campgrounds offer basic comforts

A shower and a kitchen can go a long way after a few days in the wild.

Campervans = freedom

If you don’t want to set up a tent every night, renting a campervan is a budget-friendly alternative to car rentals and hotels. Plus, no need to unpack and repack every two days!

Some of the best mornings we’ve ever had? Waking up to coffee in a sleeping bag, overlooking a fjord, a misty forest, or a glacier. Now, that’s luxury. Who needs a five-star hotel when nature is this spectacular?

View from our campervan in New Zealand (South Island), near Mount Aoraki National Park.

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little flexibility and creativity, you can explore the world without breaking the bank. Whether it’s choosing your destination based on cheap accommodation, taking advantage of loyalty programs, or opting for alternative stays like house swaps or camping, there’s always a way to cut costs without cutting the experience.

And if you're ready to take your budget travel game to the next level, dive into our ultimate guide to traveling on a budget. It's packed with tried-and-tested hacks, real-world experiences, and everything we've learned from years of adventuring without draining our bank accounts.

Because the best stories come from the cheapest trips. Safe (and budget-friendly) travels to all our fellow penguins out there!