When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really 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 our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, 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 with other families or friends. But 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 world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a 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.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote via 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 reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals 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
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers 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 can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.