When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
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 so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
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 have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation, 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 two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often 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
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find 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 comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, 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 prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.