When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than 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 your money goes further 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout 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. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote via 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 when you swap houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, 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 discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.