If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. 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 up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded 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 lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
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. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.