When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times, waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
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 deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.