When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
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
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive 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 everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, 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 holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search 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 comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips 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 you check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.