If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save 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 in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for 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 ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use 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 such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals 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 as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, 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 discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.