While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. 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 our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes 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 located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, 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 which they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.