When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- 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 a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. 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 bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider 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 doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person and live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a 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 such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
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 lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.