If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also 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 option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search 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 safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.