When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book 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 weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs 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 rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
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 at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in 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 research and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials 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 highest degree.