If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places 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 doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available 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 in a bundle deal can sometimes 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 safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.