When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we 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
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really 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 an accommodation that you are happy with.
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. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places 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 doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before 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, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option 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 hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.