If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends 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
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive 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 everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and 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. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.