If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, 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 value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid 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 more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.