While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but 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 travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able 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.
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. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. So be sure to 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 a different person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.