While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking 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.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. So be sure to 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 when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do 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.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local 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 at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.