While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure 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 students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. Be sure to 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 a different person which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find 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 go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.