If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
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 have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, 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 like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.