When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on 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 the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
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 all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
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 peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times, waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, 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 go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.