While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll 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 more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable 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) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.