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 the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to get 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 are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, 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.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.