While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more 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 located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. 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 ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before 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 most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that 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 when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be the best way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct 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 can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains 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
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.