When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals 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. Make sure you be following 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 exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, 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 are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.