If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while having your own 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 could be a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available 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 vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.