When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay 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 a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip 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 around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times, waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains 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 refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.