While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded 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.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person and live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle 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. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive 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.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you 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 to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.