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 the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 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 money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else and stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.