When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to 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 crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. 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 are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at 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 your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. Be sure to 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, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.