When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout 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 cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances, 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 be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions 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 vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else and stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world 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
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try 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 whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.