If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments due to their 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 family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside 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 your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like 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 helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.