If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re 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 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 find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for 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 longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through 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
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.