When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times, waiting until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be a great way 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 are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in 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 used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.