When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 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. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.