If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly 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 all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, 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. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be the best way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find 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 check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at 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.