When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in 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 logical to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll 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 avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
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 the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, 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.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation 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
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to 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 you check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. 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 necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.