If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid 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. Also, try to avoid the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation 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
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance 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 offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers 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 before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.