If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to 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 of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and 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 it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.