While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go 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 sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on 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 cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or features. 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 an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions 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, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person and live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation 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 public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a 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 often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.