While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, 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 costs with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards 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 located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
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 making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote on 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 which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. 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 can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as 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 services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.