While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose 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
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense 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 that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or features. 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 groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often 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 within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.