While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate 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 most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to 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.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.