If you’re 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 accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs 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 planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering 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 choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times, waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover 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 Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.