If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you 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 a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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 cheaper during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save money by going 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’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
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 at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. 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 accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.