While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends 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
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking 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 countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
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 stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. 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 can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform 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 cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.