When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
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 everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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 on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save 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 can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging 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 sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be the best way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals 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 hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some 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 you check these stores out 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 especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.