If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times staying up till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure 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 on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise on 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 swap houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.