When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends 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 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than 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 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 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 locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
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 pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic 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 renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save 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 are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, 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 discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.