When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. However, 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 globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. 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 offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. 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 families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips 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 discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent 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 necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.