When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean 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 have been, however we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible 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 areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else and live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on lodging. 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 are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a 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 for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.