When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive 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 located far from everything and you have 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 for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at 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 a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 more affordable during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
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) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals 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, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else and reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.