When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really 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 as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times, waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
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 bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like 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 at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and 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 lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.