When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t 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 guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to 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 purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.