When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
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 hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering 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 choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located 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
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that 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 where members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times staying up to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.