When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and lowering 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 pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
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 typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be 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 there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.