If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide 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 crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is a great option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.