If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more 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 choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
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. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
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 save money, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and 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. Additionally, they are able to 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 cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some 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 reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get great 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 used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near 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 cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.