If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay 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
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places 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’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout 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. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still 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. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.