When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have 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 more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good 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. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting until the last minute may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else and live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.