When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. 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 stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or 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 countries that are more expensive.
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 shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times staying up to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some 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 at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.