When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially 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 way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.