If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs 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 more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can 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 sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, 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 at discounted prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.