When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion 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 isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a 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.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
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 hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.