When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have 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 more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
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 stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times, waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. So 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 stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.