While traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive 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 pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.