While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched 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. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower 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 choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. 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.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save 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’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid 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 houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they live 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 as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services 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 complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. 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 the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.