If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home 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 retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.