When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose 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 crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times staying up till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle 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 perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.