When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times, waiting until the last minute may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more 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 read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.