While traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. 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 trip across the globe, consider spending more time in 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 doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive 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 suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
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 could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.