When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
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 help you 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’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations 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 everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. So 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 the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.