When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent 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 accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.