When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further 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 sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different 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 hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with 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 might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer 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.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to 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 go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You could 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 accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.