When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, 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 world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further 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 pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper 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 your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.