While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. 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 cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should 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’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times staying up to the end of the day 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 an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees 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 military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.