While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards 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 all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are 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 lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites 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 where members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times, waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping 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 having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible 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 vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you find 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 look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.