When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel 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 read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise through 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
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.