When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room 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 lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with 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 hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas 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 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 busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle 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. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
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 typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to 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 security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.