When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places 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 on 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 the process of swapping houses with a different person and stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and 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 public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.