While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk 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 kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at 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 Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
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 best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.