If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider 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 logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
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 peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
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 who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
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 complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips for finding 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 go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent 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 necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.