When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more 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 sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able 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 Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for 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 sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals 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. 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 exchange houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each 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, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to 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 accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.