When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we 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 happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes 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 sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no 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) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via 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 reside in their house while they live 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 family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like 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 necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.