If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- 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 than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money 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 for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or 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 discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote via 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 when you swap houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding 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. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.