While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted 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 amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home 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
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.