While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put 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 most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be a great option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible 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 as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some 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 discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.