If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from 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 off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals 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 at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to 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. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.