If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas 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 sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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, avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible 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 car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.