When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week 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 are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person and stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.