When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should 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 logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as 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 four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals 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. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations 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 increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.