If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many 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 get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just 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 cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals 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 exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful 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 reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.