When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider 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 sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. 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. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from 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
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like 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 from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.