When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t 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 do, yet we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
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 options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.