When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as 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 over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll 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 more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day 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 intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.