If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re 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 that will make your money go further and lowering 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds 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 the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations 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 hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people 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 have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
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 at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.