When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards 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 located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
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 avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-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 while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still 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 could be the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.