When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, 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 if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and 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 at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special 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
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.