While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the 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 going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. 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 vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times, waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
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 at reduced prices. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.