When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times, waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. 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. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and 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 investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.