When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the 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 as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra 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 ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties 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 hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person and live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, 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 at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.