While traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding 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 best value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
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 shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you 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 cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a 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 journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.