When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning 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 doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more 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 crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.