While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than 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’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 logical to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some 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’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance 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 increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.