When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
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 team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around 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’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover 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 check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts 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 vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via 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 stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.