When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to 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. When we travel for longer periods, 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 other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a 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) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times staying up to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person and live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.