While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive 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 in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort 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 things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via 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 the process of swapping houses with a different person and stay 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.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in 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 recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate a great place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.