When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as 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.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able 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 offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle 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. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers 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 before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often 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 refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like 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 have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.