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 accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
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
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
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. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or 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 journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of 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 price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times waiting until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still 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 can be a great method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to 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
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive 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 tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.