If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
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 a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places 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 located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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. Also, try to avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, 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 them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
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
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range 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 get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.