While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more 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 sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts 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 get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) 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 website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. 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 offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains 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 a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations 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
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding 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 to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.