When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra 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 families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person and live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often 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 refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.