If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
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’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to 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 are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer 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 group.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are 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. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.