While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and reduce your expectations 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 have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
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 multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations 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 offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus 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 at reduced prices. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money 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 conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.