If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their 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 more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget 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 things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times, waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. 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 advertise through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV could be the best way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the 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 refurbished 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 excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.