If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly 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 option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate a great accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.