When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer 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 short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare 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 in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts 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 swap houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.