When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. 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 groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
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 guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote via 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 when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.