If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending 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 going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
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 may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay 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 renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful 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. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as 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 little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.