When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. But for short 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 taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers 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 are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts 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 and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.