If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person and live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding 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. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.