When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. 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 up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times, waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book 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 even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services 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 gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during 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 recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.