When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on 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 money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, 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 globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be sure 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 for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains 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 traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via 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
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your 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 accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the 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 recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.