While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. 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 up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes 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 everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more 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 score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.