While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
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 much as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more 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 pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request 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 a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or 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 traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments 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 promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.