When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance 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 deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can 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 money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.