While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost 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 taking an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times, waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.