While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
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 hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go 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 pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on 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 can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option 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 renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions 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.