When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, 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. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might 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.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things 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 specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips to find 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 you look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, 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 rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.