If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share 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 world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. 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. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.