While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
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
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer 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.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students and 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.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. So 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 the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as 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 imagination, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.