The easiest way to save money on a vacation is to cut back on accommodations. Tourists typically don't spend a great deal of time in their rooms anyway. Many travelers are simply looking for a clean bed and running water. They don't mind that the television set gets only two channels. They are willing to forgo having their toilet paper folded into a little point every morning. What they really want to do on their 'economy vacation' is get out and see the sights. Accommodations are of secondary importance.



Years ago, the only alternative to regular hotels and motels were hostels. Hostels are often a good option when trying to plan an economy vacation. Accommodations are usually modest but clean and inexpensive. The main problem with hostels is that it's sometimes difficult to find one in the area you want to visit. If you're bringing a family, your choices are even narrower. Many hostels have no or very few family rooms available.

Today the trend in economy vacations is changing. The industry is recognizing the niche for modest accommodations at affordable prices. Hotels are springing up all over the world offering clean, dependable and no-frills lodgings. England, the Middle East, India and North Africa in particular are home to the latest in economical accommodations. One of the most recent countries to welcome the newest in economy hotel chains is the island of Cyprus.

These economy hotels operate on principles similar to other discount retailers and service providers. The idea is to cut out the middle man and pass on the savings to the customer. One of the first frills that customers will notice is absent is a booking agent/concierge. Tourists are expected to book their economy vacation online. Typically, no phone or in-person reservations are accepted with these hotel chains. Often, the further in advance a visitor books, the greater the discount he receives. Travelers can save a great deal of money simply by reserving well ahead of time.

Other frills that may be conspicuously absent are abundant or lavish furnishings and floor space. Travelers will find rooms to be somewhat smaller than a typical hotel room. Furnishings are minimal and modest. However, most economy, self-booking hotels are as clean and comfortable as their ordinary budget-hotel competitors.

Cyprus is an apt location for the newest economy vacation hotel chain. It is the third largest of the Mediterranean islands, and one of the biggest tourist draws. Cyprus adopted the euro on January 1, 2008. This fact makes do-it-yourself hotels even more appealing to European tourists heading to Cyprus.

It appears that the do-it-yourself accommodation trend is here to stay. These types of hotels continue to open up in popular tourist areas. The economy vacation makes it possible for visitors to enjoy an 'exotic' holiday without breaking the bank account.