When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. 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 need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate a great location 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, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.