When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper 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 group.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.