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 plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over 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. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower 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 find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at 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 stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just 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
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car 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. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.