If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do 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 individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.