When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
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. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near excellent 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 lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.