If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly 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 pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
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 special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like 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 for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of 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. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.