When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, 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 logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
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 that 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 you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances waiting until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.