If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas 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 doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds 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 cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times, waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to read 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, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Be sure to 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 when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. 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 off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and 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 bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.