If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, 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 up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in 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. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to 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 at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on accommodations. Plus, 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 offered to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.