When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which 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, while other times, waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still being in your 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 method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform 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 individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
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 complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips 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. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.