If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we 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 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 place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try 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 sensible to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
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 the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties 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 another person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.