While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend 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 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel 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 read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms 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 house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips 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. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.