If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room 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 accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else and live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is the best way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during 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 can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.