When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends 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 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 make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for 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
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. 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 ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places 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 available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, 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. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.