If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take 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 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 in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as 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 security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.