When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as 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 our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for 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. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can 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 are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world 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. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.