While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price 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 live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times staying up to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. 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 could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.