If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend 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 a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost 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 around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, as well as 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 popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate 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 cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.