While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations 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 all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.