When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- 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 as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more 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 find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels 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 for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered 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 cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.