When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person and stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible 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 car as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and 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 little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices, 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 You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.