When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as 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 family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay 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. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is 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 are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.