While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find 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 dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll 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 more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, as well as 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 planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else and live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection 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 It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
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 could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.