When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save 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 option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.