If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards 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 in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore 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 whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.