When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most price for our money. 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 level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
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 for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.