When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just 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 cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is the best way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not 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 and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.