While traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote via 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, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
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 for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.