While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in 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 shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at 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 pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, 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 deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore 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 house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.