When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more 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’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be the best method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try 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 whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips 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 reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.