When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from 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 off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times, waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. So be sure to be following 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, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on lodging. 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 offers which aren’t accessible 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 together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for 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 secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful 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 you look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.