When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, 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, therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times, waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person and stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.