When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
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’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals 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 own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. 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 exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic 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 with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.