When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find 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’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas 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 doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points 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 to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, 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 special offers which aren’t accessible 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 together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, 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. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.