When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
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 everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded 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.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times staying up till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, 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. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.