While traveling, where you lay your head in the 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 taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option 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 own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best option to save on accommodation. 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 deals that aren’t available 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 as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.