When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations 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 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 such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains 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 pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.