When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense 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 that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.