While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further 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 pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, 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 for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (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 site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.