When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations 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. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the 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 recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.