When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. 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 due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for short 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 taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more 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 nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times staying up till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different 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 enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is the best way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer 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 gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.