When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost 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 time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try 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 sensible to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid 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 tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often 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 popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
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 often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.