Spending your vacation at a bed-and-breakfast is a completely indulgent experience. You have rooms which are of hotel quality but which have the amenities of a comfortable home. You have meals provided for you, common areas for meeting other travelers in the area and usually end up in a prime location of the urban or rural area that you are visiting. But most people who are traveling on a budget avoid bed-and-breakfasts because they are associated with high cost lodging.

It’s true that many bed-and-breakfasts are pricey. But the luxurious experience of staying in one is something which should be had by everyone at one time or another in life. They are particularly great for romantic getaways but can be enjoyed by anyone interested in treating themselves to something special on their vacation. And it’s possible to get bed-and-breakfast accommodations without paying too much money if you do some advance planning.

Here are some tips for getting an affordable stay at a bed-and-breakfast:

• Go to a lesser-known destination. Many beautiful small towns have bed-and-breakfasts that are charming but inexpensive due to the fact that tourist traffic is low. Seek them out and explore.
• Look for discounts. Online room-booking sites often offer specials on bed-and-breakfast accommodations. If you’re patient with Internet browsing, this can be a great way to get a cheap room.
• Plan your trip during the week. Room rates are much less expensive during the week than on the weekends. Make sure you avoid festivals and major holidays to keep rates down as well.
• Stay for just a night. You can always get a cheaper room for the rest of your trip but indulge for one special night at a bed-and-breakfast.
• Stay in a private room at an upscale hostel. These are often exactly like bed-and-breakfasts but they are a fraction of the cost.
• Visit the area in the off-season. Many bed-and-breakfasts offer very low room rates during the non-tourist season in the area. Take advantage of that.