If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, 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 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 located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach 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 four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which 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
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also 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. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.