When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas 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’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to 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 in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.