When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. 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 our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, 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 an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, 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. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote through 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 the process of swapping houses with someone else and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as 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 complete house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect 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 necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.