While traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend 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 a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs 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 trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further 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 choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 less expensive during the week than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips 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 go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.