If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to 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. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as 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 planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times staying up till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
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
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else and stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to 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 to go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.