If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle 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 conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.