Travel is often fraught with hassles, from the time-consuming task of price-checking and coordinating airline tickets, lodging, and transportation, to the difficulties of figuring out what to pack and how to manage your affairs (pet-sitting, mail collection, etc.) while you're away. Since vacations can also be fairly pricey you may have to contend with trying to stick to a budget. And while you can certainly find plenty of ways to cut costs on airline tickets (fly economy class, pack light to avoid baggage fees, plan early, bundle travel arrangements, go in the off-season, and so on), you might be looking for a few good ways to lower the price of lodgings without resigning yourself to seven nights spent at a youth hostel (or your destination's equivalent of a seedy motel). Luckily, there are ways to save on even posh hotels and you can also look into vacation rentals (read: private homes). But which is the better option for you?

Hotel

There are a couple of pros and cons associated with each form of lodgings, and if you have traveled before you may be familiar with some of benefits and drawbacks that come with hotel stays. First and foremost there is the price to contend with. But you may be able to mitigate these costs, especially if you travel frequently, by joining a club. Look for an international chain that is generally affordable and provides the amenities you prefer, then simply sign up for their membership program. The more you stay the more points you earn towards free stays down the road, and often you will receive upgrades to nicer rooms at no extra cost (where available).

On the benefits side, the cost of admission also nets you daily maid service and possible access to extras like shuttles,
a continental breakfast each day, wine service in the evening, and of course, a well-informed concierge that can point you towards the attractions that most interest you or even get you bookings for exclusive restaurants, clubs, or shows. You may have to pay extra for some hotel offerings, like in-room dining, spa services, and parking (not to mention tips). But the nice thing is that these services are available if you want them.

Cozy Apartment

Vacation rentals, on the other hand, will not offer you any of these services. However, they do have some features to recommend them. Whether you're seeking house or apartment rentals, you're likely to have more space than you would in a cramped hotel room. You'll also have access to a full kitchen so that you can save some money on dining, and often these temporary habitations will cost you far less than you'd pay for the average hotel. The condition of these lodgings varies greatly, as do the nightly or weekly rates, but with a little homework you're sure to find one that fits your requirements for space, amenities, and cost. So if you're looking to save some scratch and have a more private (or authentic) experience when you travel, vacation rentals may be just what you're looking for. But if you're willing to pay a little more for the services that are part and parcel of hotels, then perhaps you'll want to stick with traditional travel lodgings.