When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion 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 children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
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. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get 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 prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in 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 logical to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant 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 best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can 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 individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
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 room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. 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 top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.