When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards 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 located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times staying up until the last minute may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still having your own 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 can be the best way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.