When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful 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 at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.