If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still 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 style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions 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. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.