While traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.