If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering 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 find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation 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 four nights and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
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 stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package 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 rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.