While traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, 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 around the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and 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 pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to 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 as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.