When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. 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 taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before 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 best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.