If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout 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 on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites 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 discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. 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 a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best 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 deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus 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. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.