While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you be following 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 another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.