When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet 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
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able 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 as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as 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 tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage 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 affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.