When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of your 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 isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as 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 our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds 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 on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world 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 public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like 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 house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. 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 recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions 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.