If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly 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 in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to 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 when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able 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 more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount 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 accommodation 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 bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.