When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering 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 everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a 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) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times waiting until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be a great option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find 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 go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, 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 creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.