Five Star Backpackers

Five Star Backpackers?

I'm going to try and explain what the concept actual means to us.

We've spent a lot of time reading other people's blogs. Food blogs, travel blogs, hotel blogs...you get the idea. It seems that there certainly is not shortage of people that embarked on their own variation of "great escapes".

I'd say that the single major different about our great escape is our selection of accommodation. The majority of people choose the hostel route....but frankly, this really isn't our idea of a good time. Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with hostels. They are simple and usually over some variation of the "basics" are a very low cost, and choosing reasonably price accommodations is one of the key factors in determine just how long you can actual travel for....but why stay in hostels if you don't NEED to?

Detailed research, careful planning and some sacrifices are all essential if you really want to travel in style...but also on a budget.

Know your destination

First you need to know your destination(s). Start by finding out a little bit about high and low seasons as this will help to manage your expectations regarding the types of deals that may be available. Next, start checking travel websites like Expedia and Orbitz to get an idea of what the accommodation selection is like and what the price ranges are. I usually also keep Tripadvisor handy to see just how well reviewed certain properties are. Tripadvisor also serves as a really good resources for finding really great low-priced options simply its not always the most expensive hotels that receive the best reviews.

Accommodations in most destinations also vary significantly depending on exactly WHERE you stay....as in location, location, location. Want to stay next door the Eiffel Tower? Get ready to pay for it! If you are willing to sacrifice on location a little you can often save considerably, and maybe even get a much nicer hotel while you are at it. As always - do your research. You might find out your destination actually has great public transportation network that will get you to all the places you want to see quickly, safely (see the most dangerous part of traveling: taxis) and cost effectively. We've found this to be true in many locations throughout Europe and Asia.

Know your options

As previously mentioned, getting a good understanding of what is available is important. Finding out if blind-hotel booking services like Priceline or Hotwire are available can help cut hotel costs in half...and often can nab you a 4* or 5* hotel for the same price you'd pay to stay at that shaddy looking motel down the street. You may not that top-floor ocean view room...but with the money you save you probably won't be complaining.

In recent years internet promotions have become increasingly common as well. Friends and family rates have been made widely available to those savvy enough to find out how to get them...and despite the inability to accrue points through these stays, the rates can be pretty fantastic sometimes!

A new type of hotel option originating in SE asia is also growing rapidly. Tune Hotels offer rooms for as low as $8 per night with private baths, and claim to offer bedding and showers comparable to those of a much more expensive property. The catch? Well, you have to pay extra for things....everything that is. Towels, Air conditioning, TV...it all costs more, but you choose only what you need! Perhaps not luxurious, but the concept is really interesting and hostel-range pricing is extremely attractive. M and I are looking forward to testing it out on our upcoming escape!

Learn the hotel loyalty programs

There is a lot that could be said here. But to put it simply: Learn the systems, watch for promotions and reap the rewards!

Lately free night promotions have been all the rage. 2,3 or 4 seperate stays have been enough to earn you a free night in certain programs - redeemable at of some of the fanciest and most expensive properties in that particular hotel chain's program. Plan carefully and do some hotel-hopping to maximize your individual stays....and those few nights the Four Points Hotel might just net your a free night at the St. Regis!

Certain hotel programs also offer point-saver rewards, or cash+points options that can reduce rates significantly. If carefully planned, you can spend as little as $30 a night + xxxx points which is a much better value than paying the full rate, or redeeming all the points required to get the night for free.