While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and 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 at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person and live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money 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 can often access discounts and deals 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
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you 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 to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.