When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers 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 or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.