When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. 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 world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.