While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
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 comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more 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 pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’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 retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.