While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas 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 doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. So be sure to 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 swap houses with another person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in 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 affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.