While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider 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 sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs 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 more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a 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), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When 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 might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you 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. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.