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 from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
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 spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least 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 which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances waiting until the last minute may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.