When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to 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’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, 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. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via 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 someone else which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers 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 you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.