While traveling, where you lay 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 doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances waiting 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 more value or facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging 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 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 things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able 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 which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.