When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. So be sure to be following 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 live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able 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 special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips to find 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 you go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings 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 travels to the fullest.