When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking 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.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to 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 doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
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) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times staying up to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more 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 your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.