If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take 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 costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far 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, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and 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 through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. 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 ideal for groups or families. In many cases, 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
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. 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 need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.