While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for 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 an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special 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 vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.