If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go 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 choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels 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 who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also being in your 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 option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.