When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much 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 a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip 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 find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation 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 two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as 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 such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like 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.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.