While traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
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
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip 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’s not logical to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else and live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.