When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. 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. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more 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 pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else and live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus 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 at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.