When you’re on the road the place you rest 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 affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same 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. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re 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 reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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 more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts 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 hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting 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 that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
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 you check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.