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 worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price 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 our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.