This Type Of Accommodation Is Half The Price Of Hotels In Europe, Per Rick Steves

European travel is all about new experiences, and a taste of old world charm. The continent (and its rake of islands on virtually all sides) is rampant with unique cultural experiences, and each new place delivers something unique. Even moving from one region to another within the same country can bring a whole new kaleidoscope of things to explore and interact with. Whether you're heading across the Atlantic for a short jaunt through the urban oasis of places like London, Prague, or Venice, or spending a lengthy trip hopping from one place to the next, there are some universal truths that must be kept in mind.

For one thing, Europeans rarely tip. It's just not an integrated part of the lifestyle, and when tips are left, they tend to feature as a rounding up of the bill or a five Euro note left behind to show gratitude for service that went above and beyond. This means that you won't typically have to account for tipping in your budgetary math (this is also the case in some parts of Asia). Similarly, negotiating fares for souvenirs, taxi rides, and plenty of other purchases can be a majorly valuable, if surprising, change of pace. There's one other mindset change that can help save money when traveling around Europe, and it's something that travel experts frequently talk about. Rick Steves, in particular, wholeheartedly advocates for a shift in your room booking strategy — opting for Bed and Breakfasts over traditional hotels.

Bed and Breakfasts are a staple of European exploration. They can be found in great abundance throughout virtually every place a tourist might visit. B&Bs are small, local offerings, and contrast nicely with the more corporate vibe that some hotels can give off. Staying in a B&B isn't just about switching up expectations and experiences, though. In fact, one of the most important features of the B&B scene in any European destination is the reality that they are often significantly cheaper than hotel rooms.

Travelers who shop around for a cozy, welcoming B&B can frequently find pricing that's significantly less — even up to 50% off. Considering the fact that hotel rooms can easily set you back hundreds per night (one reason to consider traveling during a shoulder season), a steep discount would be seriously welcomed by most travelers. Even with this pricing discrepancy on full display, plenty of travelers simply overlook this budget-boosting solution. Some might think that a B&B experience isn't for them, or even anticipate a lack of overall service, while others may be unaware of their existence. However, once you're in the know, finding fantastic deals can transform your vacation budget. To get the best deals, it's a good idea to do a little research on the term that may be used in the language of the country you're visiting. Knowing how the local language frames a "B&B" or "guest house" can expose you to a wider selection of available options.

Beyond the financial value that a B&B can bring into the picture, these accommodations also frequently amplify the experience of traveling in other ways. Not only will you have more money left over to spend on activities while you're away (or to save for routine expenses when you return home), but the time you're on your European adventure will be made richer. The B&B landscape is one of intimate sharing. In some places, hosts might actively engage with their guests on a regular basis. This has the effect of making visitors feel like they are being welcomed into a host's home, rather than staying in a sterile hotel room. Other options will feature a more laid back experience with B&B hosts offering suggestions when asked but largely staying out of the way.

No matter the type of B&B you might choose, the experience of staying in one generally tops that of a hotel room. Hotels tend to feel very bland, even when they aren't part of a large chain. The B&B experience, on the other hand, is personal. It's a cultural phenomenon that allows you to take in a more local experience of a place you're visiting. Instead of laying your head down to rest in a room that looks identical to all the others, take a chance on a B&B to both save money and enjoy a more authentic getaway.