While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try 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 doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times staying up to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to 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 the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even 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. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.