If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed 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. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times staying up to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.