If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live 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
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But 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 world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on 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
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you 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. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals 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
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.