While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on 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 make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower 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 spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money 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 often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding 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 go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like 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 security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.