When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for 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 a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your hotel 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 read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety 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
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near 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 accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.