If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter 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 spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
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’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole 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 typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. 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 need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.