When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend 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
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go 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 pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on 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 more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be a great option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can 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.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.