Fortunately, there are plenty of tips to help you find safe, practical and value for money accommodation.

How you travel and spend your rupees is totally up to you, but we all need a place to sleep at night and we may as well get the best hotels as possible. Your choice of accommodation will depend on your: travel budget travel destination travel style and comfort levels number of companions interests The style in which we personally travel has evolved from solo travel to traveling as a couple, to now being a family of four. So our accommodation preferences have changed as well.

Depending on the length of the trip and the destination, we’ll chop and change between accommodation styles.

As a family, if it’s longer than a weekend getaway we prefer to stay in apartments. They offer several benefits: Access to a full kitchen saves you money by not eating out every night.

Separate bedrooms from the living room make it easier to put the kids to bed. You have your own laundry. You can book a 3 or 4-bed apartment and split the costs with another family or friends. These extra facilities on a long stay can make your trip so much more enjoyable.

Think location There is no point finding cheap hotel accommodation if it is miles out of town and you have to pay extra for transportation costs. Stay more than 1 night in your accommodation Many Hotels providers offer their best deals when you stay more than one night.

Often we’ve had deals like stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Especially in the off-season.

Stay over Sunday Many hotels receive Friday and Saturday night accommodation bookings and Monday to Friday bookings from their business travelers, so there can be a void on Sunday nights meaning possible cheap accommodation. Stay mid-week In certain locations like Kalam, Naran, Northern Area (GB), avoiding the peak Friday and Saturday night periods is a strategic way to find cheap hotel accommodation – so avoid over a weekend if possible.

Travel in the shoulder-season Are hotels cheaper in different seasons? Of course! One of the obvious tips on how to find cheap accommodation is by traveling in the shoulder season, that time period between the peak and off-peak season. Stay in Apartments or Suites and share the costs This is one of our best travel tips on how to save money – especially for families or small groups.

Book rooms that offer free cancellation Book accommodation in advance at the best rate you can find online, then keep an eye on prices to see if you can get a better deal at another property, or even at the same hotel. What facilities does your accommodation have? Does your hotel have free WiFi/internet, free breakfast, free cable TV, laundry facilities, BBQ areas, private rooms with en-suites, a tour booking desk, 24-hour reception? Is there a fridge, microwave, coffee machine? A fridge and microwave can be great for storing and reheating leftovers which save you money on eating out.

This is great for families storing milk, juice, and yogurts and other kids breakfast items to have on hand first thing in the morning. All these features add up when you’re trying to save money! Check for family deals on your accommodation Always ask about discounted family rates, free meals for children, and an upgrade at check in – they can only say no.