While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal 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. When we travel for longer periods, we 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 hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts 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 early will save you money or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.