While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for budget. 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 stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more 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 choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances staying up until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote 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, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be the best method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Search 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, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.