While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always 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 be, but we 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 travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off 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 our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout 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 less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and 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 peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.