If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to 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 choose a hotel that is cheap located far 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 for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate 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 the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.