If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places 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 pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
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 members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. 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 a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding 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 go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.