While traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but 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 style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many 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 get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request 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 homes, can be a great option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your 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 discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great 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 with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.