When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 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. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive 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 have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of 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 sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. 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 exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.