While traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, 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 – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re 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 lowering your standards 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 in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals 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
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as 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 gathering.
As a bonus 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. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.