When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, 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. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to 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 in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times staying up till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals 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 or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some 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 for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, 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 for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.