When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive 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 everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person and live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on lodging. 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 can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
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 for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often find good 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
Consider buying 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 perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.