While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on lodging. Additionally, 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 offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as 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 tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.