If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else and live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, 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 at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.