When you’re on the road, 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.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost 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 our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money 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
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.