When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards 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 everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports 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 at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure 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 and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, 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 the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain 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 discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places 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 promote via social media. So be sure to be following 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 someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be the best method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive 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 tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.