When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, 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 deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.