When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that 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 discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if 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 less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to 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 vehicle 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. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus 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 discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished 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 offer a variety of options, and 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. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.