If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places 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’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely 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 Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places 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 through 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 the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. 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 security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.