When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit 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 stay clear of 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and 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 can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. So be sure to be following 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 and live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding 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 go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to 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, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.