When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times, waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.