When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
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. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times staying up till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a 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 like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.