When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however 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 travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed 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 of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to 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 vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.