When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, 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 sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel 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
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else and live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.