When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. 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.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.