When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. 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 across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least 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 busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout 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. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts 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, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.