When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times, waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person and live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.