When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more 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 choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times staying up to the end of the day 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 more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
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 keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’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 retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are 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. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.