If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense 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 near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as 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.
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 guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. 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 occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.