When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other 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 across the globe, consider making more time in areas 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 located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for 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 find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated 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
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers 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 car together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.