When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person and live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.