When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to 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 Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times, waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as 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.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished 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 perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.