While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more 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 if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places 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 via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way 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 hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. 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 have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.