If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where 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 crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times, waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with 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 cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or 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 also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. 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 stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.