When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV could be the best way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals 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 hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding 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. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.