While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in 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. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports 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. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV can be a great option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight 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. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking 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 maximum.