When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some 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 shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times staying up till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.