When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate a great accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.