When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. 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 around our accommodations 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. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as 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 rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore 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 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 usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains 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
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.