When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer 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 nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some money by travelling 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 high and low) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times, waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.