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One of the most significant expenses, when a person is traveling, is board and lodging.  There are all sorts of accommodations available all over the world and it’s all just a matter of choice and budget allocation.

But the traveler need not entirely skimp on a place to stay just to have a great vacation.

The factors that you need to consider when choosing a place of accommodation when traveling include:

• The budget
• The number of traveling companions
• The place where he is traveling
• The person’s comfort zone

Your comfort zone is one of the more significant factors of the four stated.  This will help you make a final decision when it comes down to choosing between the cheapest hotel on your list and a mid-range hotel that’s right in your comfort zone.

There are ways to save money on accommodations without scraping the bottom of the barrel.

The top three ways are:

• Consider the location

Staying in a hotel so far out of the city with little to no way of getting anywhere is not worth the vacation. When you travel, you want to be able to see and experience everything the destination has to offer.  Choosing a place with lots of ways to commute, places to eat, and so on are ideal.

• It’s better to stay more than one night than to stay overnight

Many hotels will offer their guests better deals if they stay more than one night. This holds true especially in the off-season months where not a lot of people are vacationing.

One of the ideal days to book would be Sundays as many vacationers would plan to check in on Fridays and Saturdays, leaving Sunday as avoided day. Checking in or booking on a Sunday will most likely yield a cheaper price than checking in on the other days.

• When traveling with big groups, stay in rental homes or apartments

Splitting the cost of the accommodations with a person’s travel companies is a great way to save money. Families and friends will usually book apartments or rental homes so they can avoid paying for individual hotel rooms.

Having these single places will be far cheaper than hotels and some rental houses will come with a skeleton staff or caretakers to assist with whatever it is the group needs. For those with really tight budgets, then bunking with friends in a hostel may also be a good option.

Are you planning to get married this summer? Summer seems to be the ideal time for a wedding — plus, it lends itself to many possibilities for saving on wedding costs.

• Be creative about your wedding venue

You have more options for venues in summer. Think outside the box. You can have a beautiful sunset wedding ceremony in your own backyard and dance under the moonlight after the service. You can have a fun picnic ceremony at the local park. A friend may have an empty piece of land with a river running through it — perfect for a champagne wedding breakfast.

Use the same place for the wedding rites and the reception. It will simplify things and cut costs.

• Limit your guests

This is one of the easier and more practical ways to save money on your wedding. You can make your budget count by spending more money on less people.

Invite family members and close friends. It does not make sense to invite people with whom you do not have meaningful or lasting relationships.

• Cut on expenses for food and drink

If you have a limited budget, you do not have to spend for fancy china and expensive catering. Summer is ideal for an easy, laid-back fun wedding.

Do away with a fancy buffet. You can serve finger foods, gorgeous desserts, and drinks. Instead of a huge wedding cake, opt for a beautifully made small wedding cake for the cutting ceremony. Serve a delicious sheet cake to the guests.

Do away with the open bar. Serve a refreshing punch made with liquor, fruits juices, and sparkling water instead.

• Be creative with the wedding décor

Intricate floral arrangements are usually one of the more expensive and luxurious items you have to pay for in a wedding. With all the bounty that summer offers, however, you can make beautiful décor and centerpieces at a fraction of the cost.

Use wildflowers and twigs for an appealing rustic look. Repurpose a cake stand by adding colorful fresh fruits and candles to make a creative centerpiece. Use a cluster of differently sized candles for a romantic and cozy showpiece.

Repurpose the décor you use at the ceremony. After the ceremony, have somebody pick up the bouquets used to line the aisles with and put them into colored bottles or vases to use as centerpieces for the reception.

• Skip the tuxedo and the fancy wedding dress

Summer is perfect for a dressed-down wedding affair. Give your summer wedding a stamp of your personal style and flair. You can opt to use a country chic wedding dress with floral appliqués or a vintage summery wedding dress.