While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations 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 if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as 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 house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great 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
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.