When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. 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 our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, 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 world, try spending more time in places 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, 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 for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person and live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.