If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more 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 choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. 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 cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, get 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 are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do 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 are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.