If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
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 the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal 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 vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Make sure you 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 someone else which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find 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 at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.