If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else and live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal 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 could be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions 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 at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.