If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more 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 only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times staying up till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are 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 just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites 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
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the 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
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.