When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places 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 doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and 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. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, 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 more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you 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 go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. 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. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect 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 lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.