While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering 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 in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay 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 in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances staying up until the last minute may 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 facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via 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 reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even 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. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable 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.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. 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 refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent 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 accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.