While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose 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
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra features. 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 groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else and reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even 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 people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.