While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower 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 located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.