When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really 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 cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times, waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible 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 sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you 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 purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.