If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are 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 money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off 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 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 the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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 more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still 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
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.