When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on 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
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible 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 could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.