When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could 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 We want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but 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 comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
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 guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for 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 high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.