If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel 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 friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go 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 pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on 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 could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay 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 Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations 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 hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places 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 on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers 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 like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
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 look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.