While traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
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
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over 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 of our trip with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering 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 pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination 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 comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.