When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off 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 help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go 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 choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, 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 high and low) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote through 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
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking 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 are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips 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 check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and 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. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.