When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly 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 if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation 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. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.