If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. However, 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 you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times staying up till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person and reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive 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 for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.