While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save 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’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best 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 a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to 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. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.