If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that 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 guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times staying up to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote through 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
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap 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 accommodation while still having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. They can also conduct 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 individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.