While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel 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
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel 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 certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like 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 bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.