When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout 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 during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is the best option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform 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 individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a 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 for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.