If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
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 price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking 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
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to 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
A hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete 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 like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.