If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of your 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 our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still 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 way to save money 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 deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding 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. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.