When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further 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 sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times, waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to read the fine print before making your 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 most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
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 who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can do 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 money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
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 home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.