While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout 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 more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, 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 offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole 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 typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. 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 comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.