When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times, waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often 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, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. 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 have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.