When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as 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 nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times, waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. Make sure you 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 a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.