When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes 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 if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from 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 tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
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
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for 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 certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may 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. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find 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 to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.