Affordable UK Stays: Unique and Cheaper Options Than Budget Hotels

Vacation does not have to be expensive, especially when there are several alternatives to hotels. While hotels furnish you with loads of facilities, they could burn a big hole in your pocket. It is not surprising that many people feel the pinch after their vacations are over.

If you are travelling to the UK, you have an opportunity of choosing affordable alternatives to luxurious hotels. You will access basic amenities. Whether you are travelling alone or with your family, you will enjoy your holiday without breaking the bank.

• Rent a lodge with Airbnb

Airbnb is a hub of various types of accommodations that travellers rent out during vacations. It has gained wide popularity over time because of its top-notch service.  Whether you need a flat for a short stay or an aparthotel for a month-long stay, this platform is the best choice for picking the most affordable accommodation. People rent their accommodation on the Airbnb website with descriptions and facilities. With a wide variety of accommodations to choose from, you can choose the one that fits your budget.

Use destinations and dates as keywords to explore accommodation in the area you want to stay. Check out what is available and reviews. Aparthotels and lodges are rated by previous guests and serve as an important basis for decision-making. Some rentals might give you a quick tour of the property. Bear in mind that Airbnb restricts the uploading of videos of rentals. It means you cannot see what the property looks like. For that, you will have to rely on a physical tour of the accommodation, but this may not be feasible all the time.

If you find any aparthotel listed on Airbnb, make sure the kitchen is in commission, and you can access grocery stores easily, especially if you are planning to stay for a longer period. Do not set your hopes on any particular kind of accommodation. You should compare them based on features, facilities, and prices.

It is likely that the accommodation you choose does not fit your budget. If that is the case, consider using guaranteed loans. However, make sure that you do not end up borrowing more than your affordability. Airbnb rentals are much more affordable as compared to hotels. For instance, a flat could cost you £70 to £80 per night, or an entire wedding castle could cost you £5 per person per pound.

• Campspace

Campspace is a dedicated website that brings together people who like camping. You will bring your own tent, caravan, motorhome, rooftop tent, and van. This website allows you to choose the best place to set up your tent or park your caravan on someone’s property. You will find a variety of campsite locations, from grassy fields to small backyards.

You are completely free to choose the location that fits your needs. Some hosts provide breakfast and, shower and toilet facilities. Campspace was not recently launched, but it is still not very popular. You can explore some exquisite gardens where you could think of setting up camp.

• House swapping

House swapping is another good alternative to save money on expensive hotel stays. It intrigues many people. However, according to several people, house swapping did not yield them the experience they expected, but it is still quite popular among those who are trying to adhere to their budgets.

It is a practice of swapping your home with someone else’s home for a few days. In some cases, you may be allowed to use a car. It is common to be expected to look after pets. You stay for free because someone else is staying in your home. It is exchanging your residence with someone else for a short period, so it does not require any money. Compared to hotels, this is an extremely inexpensive alternative.

However, it is vital to remember that it is not popular in all locations. The place where you are planning to live in might not have this facility. There are some organizations that welcome paid-up membership. You can obtain thorough information about such properties from there. Though house swapping does not cost you any penny, it might not offer you the best experience.

There is no point in leaving your house to live in someone’s house. The experience you obtain from a hotel might not be peerless. Of course, sometimes you would not mind paying some money to relish that experience. If you need money, you can take out a loan. In case your credit score is very low, some lenders also provide extremely bad credit loans in the UK. Bear in mind that these loans could potentially be very expensive. There is a chance of falling into debt if you struggle to keep up with payments. Do not use these loans if you are not certain about your repaying capacity.

• College rooms

Some of the oldest universities in the UK are blessed with dorms. It could give you an interesting and unique experience, especially when you never attended a college. You may find all kinds of rooms, from student dormitory to self-catering. However, remember that dorms will be available only during the vacation months. Though dorms provide you with a good alternative, it is always suggested that you carefully consider other alternatives.

The final word

There are a few alternatives to hotels you can choose in the UK if you are a savvy money spender. However, before you choose these options, you must compare their benefits, features, and costs with hotels. Though they are cheap, they might not give you a good experience.

You should always try to research properly so you do not regret it in the end. It is not mandatory to choose expensive hotels because there are some budget-friendly hotels. You will be able to get the best service, and they will not cost you a lot of money.

If you rely on a loan, make sure that you repay it on time. Loan settlement on time is necessary. Otherwise, you will find yourself in debt.