Saving money on accommodation by staying further out sounds smart. In practice it often costs more than it saves.
A Lesson from Sydney
On my first trip to Sydney I stayed well outside the CBD thinking I was getting a better deal. What I did not account for was the time and money spent on taxis and buses to reach every sightseeing spot. Every outing started and ended with a commute.
On the next trip I switched to a central hotel. Coffee shops, markets, and public transport were all within walking distance. The difference was immediate.
The Numbers Add Up Quickly
That one change saved over an hour of travel time every single day. Across a week that is seven extra hours, time that went towards actually experiencing the city rather than moving through it.
Factor in what you were spending on transport and the price gap between a central and out of town hotel often narrows considerably, sometimes disappearing entirely.
Location is Part of the Budget
When comparing accommodation prices, include your likely daily transport costs in the calculation. A cheaper room that adds $20 and 90 minutes in daily commuting is rarely the bargain it appears to be.
Have you made this mistake in a city you visited? Comment below.