When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll 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 longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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 less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different 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 best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.