If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 during the week than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live 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 as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.