When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds 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 cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else and live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal 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 is a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the 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 is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.