When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on 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 number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider 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 doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive 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 hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.