When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded 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.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and 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 flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled 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 condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.