When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards 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 located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more 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.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be 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 lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read 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 and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some 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 go through these stores before you buy 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 sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as 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 have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.