While traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two 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 crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise 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 someone else and live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places 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 public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, 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 for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.