While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes 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 logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or 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 houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.