When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful 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 prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.