According to ABC News, hotel rooms in the Dallas/Fort Worth area are going for upwards of $500 per night in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLV. I cannot image dropping that much money on a space I would only be using to sleep and shower in. I couldn’t pay a fraction of that price for a hotel room, and I wouldn’t, given there are much cheaper alternatives, though maybe not so much in the city hosting the Super Bowl the night before the big game.
Still, if you are looking to cut down on the cost of lodgings for an upcoming spring break or summer trip with the family, then consider venturing outside of the box. There are a number of decent options for cash-strapped travelers to choose from, such as convents and monasteries. Laugh as you may, but religious housing is an affordable option, especially in Italy where there are a number of Christian and Jewish guesthouses available for rent.
Another option is to stay at a hostel. Most hostels cater to young travelers, but they don’t discriminate against older customers. Regardless of your age you can find safe hostels in many popular European cities. Options include the ultra-cheap bed in a shared room or you can pay a bit more and stay in a private room with scarce amenities.
If you are planning to travel during the summer months, then look into academic housing. Many colleges and universities open their dorms to travelers; however, the accommodations are very basic and you might have to walk down the hall to use the bathroom. Speaking of bathrooms, bed and breakfasts with shared bathrooms can often save you a ton of money on lodging.
Finally, if you are not afraid of roughing it, then grab your tent and create your own hotel in the great outdoors. Sleeping under the stars is as cheap as it gets, plus you get the added bonus of saving on meals if you cook over an open fire rather than dining at a sit-down restaurant.
Related Articles:
Protecting Yourself from Dirty Hotel Rooms
Hotel Happenings: Dirty Rooms and the Dreaded Wake Up Call
The Hotel Wake Up Call-Not So Dreaded Anymore
Travel Tips–Hotel’s Unwanted Guests