While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a 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 reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. 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 families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.