When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely 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 less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
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 during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as 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 home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as 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 you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.