When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split 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 planning an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able 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.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great 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 a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is a great method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and 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 find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.