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 budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy 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.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
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 save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, 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. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Make sure you 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 when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, 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 typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.