While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, 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 globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense 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 locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or features. 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 ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote on 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 the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a 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 usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is 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 accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.