When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more 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
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel 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
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option 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 hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure 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 space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. 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 is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.