When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, 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 making more time in areas 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’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.