Accommodation costs are among the most significant cost items in just about any travel budget. Finding ways to cut the cost of your chosen accommodation option can translate into massive savings; you can spend the extra cash on other fun travel activities.

It’s worth mentioning that the accommodation option you end up choosing is determined by your budget, personal interests and preferences, travel destination and number of participants.

It is true that you can simply ask the attendant at your chosen accommodation option about any available discount offers; after all they will only say no if nothing is available. However, following the tips below will definitely make it easier for you to secure travel accommodation discounts.

Which Season?

When choosing the season when to schedule you trip, remember that it has a bearing on the applicable accommodation cost. Travel accommodations tend to be more expensive during popular travel periods due to high demand as a result of high traveller numbers.

Planning your travel during the shoulder seasons, when conditions are still favourable, will raise your chances of finding discounted accommodation. During this period travel accommodation service providers usually turn to discounted prices to attract customers.

Days Of The Week

It is true that hoteliers charge different prices for their rooms depending on what day of the week it is. Hotels in business districts are usually busy during weekdays, and deserted during weekends. Booking your stay to coincide with the weekend might help you save some cash.

Hotels in big cities also tend to be busy during weekends, so be sure to avoid them as room prices are usually at their highest. You can follow room prices using available online applications to find out what the trend is for your specific travel destination in advance.

Location Matters

The location of the accommodation option you end up choosing has a significant bearing on the prices charged. In most cases, travellers can find cheaper accommodation options farther away from city centres.

It is however worth noting that you should remember to consider the implications of staying away from the city. including applicable commuting costs. Be sure to choose a location that is centrally located to avoid losing the savings you make on accommodation to huge costs associated with commuting to airports or attractions.

Accommodation Options

There are different accommodation options, all with charging different accommodation costs. Hostels, apartments and family suites are among the more affordably priced accommodation options available out there.

Before choosing any of the alternative accommodation options available above, be sure to check out whether they are available in your intended travel destination. Furthermore, check whether the available facilities and their condition meet your preferences.

Making Your Booking

The means by which you make your travel accommodation booking influences the cost you end up paying. Some credit cards have reward schemes that offer significant discounts for travellers using them during travel.

When making a booking you can also check out any reward programs ran by the hotel chain you plan on staying in. Frequent travellers who use other hotels in the chain might qualify for discounted stays as well.

With the above tips in mind, you will have an easier time finding discounted accommodation during your trip.…

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If you are embarking on the adventure of building your first home it’s a good bet that you are taking that first step towards a dream. The dream of that perfect household where you and your family will enjoy love, life and laughter.

But there is one inescapable fact. Whether its a single or 2 storey home, it’s going to cost a whole lot of money. And that expenditure is going to not only put a strain on your bank account – it’s also going to put a whole lot of strain on your personal relations with your loved ones.

So are there ways to save when you are committed to building that first dream house? There are and here are some of those.

First it is absolutely essential that you build that you build that bank account to fully fund the building of that dream home. One of the easiest ways of doing this is to sell your existing home yourself. If you go through a realtor you will be paying a commission of up to 6%. It may take some time and a bit of patience but that money is in your pocket – rather than someone else’s.

Secondly – apply for a credit card with zero percent interest. If your credit rating is clean then this should not be an effort. You’ll avoid paying interest for between a year and two years. That’s a huge saving when it comes to payment for both planned and unexpected costs.

If you are not willing to part with your existing property then get in touch with realtors that specialize in rentals. You can readily offset the costs of building that new home by simply renting your old one. If you have friends or family who are willing to put you up for a short period while you find finance then take advantage of that relationship. Just be sure you have a room available in your new home to welcome them.

Planning is also everything. If you think that you know what you want from your new home – think again. Mistakes in planning can be costly. Visit homes on the market and see how they are designed. This will help clarify your thoughts – and make that dream home closer to what is actually needed than the dream you have.

One of the most essential steps to getting that dream home is to find an architect who offers value for money and has experience in the area where you will be building.

Then that all important aspect – the building. You simply must find the builder who is best suited to your unique needs. That have to be certified and they need to have an understanding of what you are trying to achieve. Without a competent builder you are going to be facing an uphill battle to have a home where you and your family will be able to move into.

Building a new home is always going to be a challenge, but with the right partners and planning the pain and expense can be reduced to a minimum.…

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