When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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 cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal 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 own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be a great option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations 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 available to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your 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 trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.