While traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. 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 across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or 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 groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.