When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal 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 over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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 during the week than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on accommodation. 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 often have access to 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
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services 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 home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.