If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find 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 price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share 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 to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards 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 have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times staying up until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also 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 offered to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.