If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. 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. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more 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 choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times waiting until the last minute may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid 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 ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on 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 exchange houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle 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 people. 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 can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions 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 you check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
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 that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.