When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
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. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out 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 get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.