When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near 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 at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely 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.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains 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 Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, 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 are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive 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 suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.