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 affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
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. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for 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 homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, and 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.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money 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 family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.