When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 on weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel 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 be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person and live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find 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 check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.