While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering 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 choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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 during the week than on weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request 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. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person and reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, 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 reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.