When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split 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 planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book 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 more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
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) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra 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 can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are 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 pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.