When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via 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 which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.