While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 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 accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places 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 sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
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 most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow 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 live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. 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 exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.