When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is a great method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.