When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value 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 comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request 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 families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person and live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money 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 often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as 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 have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.