While traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout 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 weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers 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 exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are 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 it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.