If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find 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’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations 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 in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs 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 more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals 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 hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.