When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.