When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, 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. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for 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 nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll 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 on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a 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 that they advertise via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.