If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. 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, 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 sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain 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 best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to be following 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 exchange houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.