While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only 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 Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save money by going 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 can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform 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.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.