If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as 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 a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare rates across various 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 deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great 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 refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.