When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. But 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, consider spending more time in 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 pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
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.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus 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 at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.