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. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- 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 a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try 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’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save money by travelling 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 can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
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 features. 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 families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for 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 it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, 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 rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.