While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering 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 pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you 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, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking 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 may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.