When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim 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. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, 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 only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even 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. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near 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 necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.