While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.