When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used 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
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t 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 accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, 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 on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a 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 travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as 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 research and imagination it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.