When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes 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 find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, 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 four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times staying up to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your hotel 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, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. 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 on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-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 recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.