Traveling with kids can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Finding budget-friendly accommodations doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. With a bit of research and planning, you can find comfortable, safe, and affordable places to stay no matter where you’re headed. But what exactly does budget-friendly mean? It depends on your individual circumstances and budget, but in general, it’s about finding the best value for your money. That might mean finding a hotel with a great rewards program or a rental property with a pool. It could also mean camping in a campground or in the backcountry. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between cost and comfort.
Hotels/Motels
Hotels and motels are a great option for families looking for budget-friendly accommodations. There are plenty of discounted chains that offer comfortable rooms at affordable prices. For example, many Holiday Inn Express locations offer family suites with separate bedrooms and living spaces. Additionally, many hotel chains have rewards programs that offer discounts on future stays. For example, Marriott Bonvoy offers points for every stay that can be used for future stays or for discounts on amenities.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals are another great option for families looking for budget-friendly accommodations. Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer a wide variety of rental properties in cities and towns around the world. Private rentals are also an option, and they often offer more space and amenities than hotels and motels. For example, many rental properties have kitchens, living rooms, and multiple bedrooms, which can be more conducive to family life than a single hotel room.
Camping
Camping is another great way to find budget-friendly accommodations. Campgrounds are a great option for families who want to be close to nature without sacrificing comfort. Many campgrounds offer amenities like showers, restrooms, playgrounds, and even swimming pools. Backcountry camping is also an option for adventurous families. There is no cost for camping in most public lands, but it is important to check local regulations before setting out.
Research Online
The internet is a great resource for finding budget-friendly accommodations. Hotel booking websites like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Booking.com offer discounts on hotels and motels. Airbnb and Vrbo are great resources for finding vacation rentals. And there are plenty of camping-specific sites like Campground Reviews and Hipcamp that can help you find the perfect campground.
Call Ahead
It can be helpful to call ahead and ask about discounts. Many hotels and motels offer discounts for AAA members, senior citizens, military personnel, and government employees. Vacation rental owners may also be willing to negotiate on prices, especially if you’re booking for a longer stay.
Leverage Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are a great way to save money on accommodations. Hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt offer points for every stay that can be used for discounts on future stays. Vacation rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo also offer loyalty programs that offer discounts on future stays.
Look for Off-Season Rates
It can also be helpful to look for off-season rates. Hotels, motels, and vacation rentals often offer reduced rates during the off-season. Campgrounds may also offer discounts during the off-season.
Staying in budget-friendly accommodations has many benefits. It leaves more money to spend on experiences, like museums, restaurants, and other attractions. It also gives you more time to explore new places, as you’ll be able to extend your trip without breaking the bank. Finally, it gives you the freedom to explore more options, as you won’t be limited to the most expensive accommodations.
Finding budget-friendly accommodations doesn’t have to be difficult. With a bit of research and planning, you can find comfortable, safe, and affordable places to stay no matter where you’re headed. From hotels and motels to vacation rentals and camping, there are plenty of options for families looking for budget-friendly accommodations.
References:
Campground Reviews. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.campgroundreviews.com/
Hotels.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hotels.com/
Hipcamp. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hipcamp.com/
Marriott Bonvoy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/member-benefits/earn-points.mi
Vrbo. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.vrbo.com/
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