If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
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 as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for short 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 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 pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, 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. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else and live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
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 often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are 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 especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.