When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips 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 go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.