If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times, waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. 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.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel 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 offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like 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 necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.