When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can 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.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
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 everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only 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. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on 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 which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.