When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
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. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should 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 logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll 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 less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a 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), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like 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 purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.