When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. 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 time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else and live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during 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 used luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could 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 lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.