When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering 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 choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful 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 as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.