When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, 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 best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still 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
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’d 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 friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even 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 score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person and live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform 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 a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.