While traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower 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 all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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 on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
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’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.