When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still need to cut costs.
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
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower 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 pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.