When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
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 shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as 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 four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs 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 more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you 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. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like 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 have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.