When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really 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 over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
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 all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid 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 make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on 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 when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform 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 a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.