While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our money. 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 depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas 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 pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else and live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.