If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across 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 in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
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 stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
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 avoid the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times staying up to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts 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 planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. So 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 when you swap houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, 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 space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
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 often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and 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 research and imagination you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.