When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable 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 peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times, waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise through 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 or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand 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 that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.