While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but 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 travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try 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 doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. 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, use them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. So 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 and stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
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 whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to 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 particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.