While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. 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. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip 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 planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid 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 during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as 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 provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered 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 as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.