When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during 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
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.