When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places 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 logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. 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 advertise via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping 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 being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available 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 car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions 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. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the 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 option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.