While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we 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 comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. 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 world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting until the last minute may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as 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.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to 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 often 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. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.