When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid the crowds and save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Make sure you 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 another person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV could be the best way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some 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
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.