When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a 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 save money, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just 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
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times, waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote on 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 when you swap houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money 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 often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective 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 services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.