While traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore 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 complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are 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 for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.