When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal 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 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. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. 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 world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels 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 unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.