While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. 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 globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
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 shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. 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, use them to pay for your lodging 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 check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.