While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times, waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. 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 an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as 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 comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.