If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. 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 friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay 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 cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home 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 stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.