While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout 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 happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards 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 located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.