While traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but 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 team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go 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 sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places 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 people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.