When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid 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 more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at 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 pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.