When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can 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 isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
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
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, 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 an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
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 all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
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. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of 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 method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.